Biological implications of acetylation
Medicinal compounds: John Mann takes a look at drugs on the market
The simple conversion of an alcohol or phenol into its acetyl (ethanoyl) derivative can have major implications for its biological activity. Probably the best known example is provided by the conversion of morphine into its diethanoate derivative heroin, with a resultant boost to not only the analgesic potency but also the addictive potential. The simplicity of this chemistry ensures that there is a lucrative living to be made turning the raw opium from the poppy fields of Afghanistan into heroin for the streets of almost anywhere in the world.
A more subtle use of acetylation is seen in the control of gene expression (activity) brought about by the enzymes histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). One of the undoubted miracles of life is that the entire two-metre long human genome can adopt a more relaxed structure to allow the genes to act as a blueprint for the production of messenger-RNA and ultimately new enzymes and other proteins (ie ranscription).
Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor.
Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access
Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.
Get all this, plus much more:
- unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
- teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
- applications for funding to support your lessons
Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.
Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.