methyl transferase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (highly technical)Academic / Scientific / Technical
Quick answer
What does “methyl transferase” mean?
An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from one molecule to another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from one molecule to another.
A class of enzymes involved in a crucial biochemical modification process (methylation), essential for gene regulation, protein function, and metabolism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling conventions follow standard patterns (e.g., 'catalyse' vs. 'catalyze' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both UK and US academic and research contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “methyl transferase” in a Sentence
[Substrate] methyl transferasemethyl transferase that [verb phrase]methyl transferase activity in [location]inhibition of methyl transferaseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “methyl transferase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The enzyme catalyses the transfer of a methyl group.
American English
- The enzyme catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group.
adjective
British English
- The methyl transferase activity was measured.
- She studied the methyl-transferase pathway.
American English
- The methyltransferase activity was measured.
- She studied the methyltransferase pathway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech/pharma investment reports discussing drug targets (e.g., 'The compound is a potent methyl transferase inhibitor').
Academic
Common in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, and medical research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core terminology in laboratory protocols, scientific discussions, and technical specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “methyl transferase”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “methyl transferase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “methyl transferase”
- Misspelling as 'methyltransferase' (often accepted as one word) or 'methyl transferace'.
- Incorrect plural: 'methyl transferases'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The protein methyl transferases the histone' - incorrect; use 'methylates').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In many modern biochemical texts and databases, it is often written as a single word: 'methyltransferase'. Both forms are understood.
'Methylase' is a broader, less specific term for any enzyme that catalyses methylation. 'Methyl transferase' is more precise, explicitly indicating the transfer mechanism.
They are key drug targets, especially in cancer and neurology, because abnormal methylation patterns (caused by dysregulated methyl transferases) are linked to many diseases.
No, it is strictly a noun. The related verb is 'methylate' (e.g., 'The enzyme methylates the substrate').
An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from one molecule to another.
Methyl transferase is usually academic / scientific / technical in register.
Methyl transferase: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛθɪl ˈtrænsfəreɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛθɪl ˈtrænsfəreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'METHYL' is the GROUP being moved, and 'TRANSFERASE' is the enzyme that TRANSFERS it. It's a 'group mover' for methylation.
Conceptual Metaphor
A molecular postman (delivering a methyl package) / A biochemical switch operator (adding a methyl tag to turn processes on/off).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a methyl transferase?