Methyl group

Methyl group is an alkyl derived from methane, containing one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms — CH₃. The methyl group is commonly found in many organic compounds, including biological systems.

Structure and properties

The methyl group is a type of alkyl group, derived from methane. It consists of a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. The formula for a methyl group is CH₃.

In terms of its structure, the methyl group is tetrahedral. This is due to the carbon atom forming four bonds in a tetrahedral geometry.

The properties of the methyl group can vary depending on the rest of the molecule. However, it is generally non-polar and hydrophobic.

Biological importance

Methyl groups are important in biology, where they are involved in methylation reactions. Methylation is a form of alkylation with a methyl group, and its role in biological processes includes DNA methylation and protein methylation.

DNA methylation, for example, is a crucial part of cell differentiation and is a common marker in DNA replication and DNA repair pathways.

Chemical reactions

Methyl groups can participate in a variety of chemical reactions, including substitution reactions, addition reactions, and elimination reactions.

In substitution reactions, a methyl group can replace a hydrogen atom or other substituent. In addition reactions, a methyl group can add to a double bond or triple bond. In elimination reactions, a methyl group can be removed from a molecule, often with the formation of a double bond or triple bond.

See also

• Methylation
• Methyltransferase
• Methyl donor
• Methyl accepting chemotaxis protein

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