Acetylization

/ə.ˌsɛt.ə.lɪ.ˈzeɪ.ʃən/ noun

Definition

The chemical process of adding an acetyl group to a molecule or substance.

Etymology

From acetylize + -ation (suffix for processes). This noun form standardized in chemical literature as the acetylize verb became common in the early 1900s.

Kelly Says

Acetylization is actually happening in your body right now—your cells use it constantly to regulate proteins and DNA, and aspirin works specifically because it acetylizes an enzyme called COX, which is why it reduces pain and inflammation!

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