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Jamie P. Spychalla
Mr. Lewandowski
Chemistry 2
16 January 2014
Biochemistry: The Basics of DNA and DNA Methylation
DNA is composed of four nucleic acid bases. These bases are adenine, cytosine, guanine,
and thymine (Carey 1). DNA encodes information for all cellular functions. However before
these functions can be carried out, the DNA sequences needed to be converted into messages
that produce proteins. In order for this to happen, the DNA molecule is first read and
transcribed into mRNA by enzymes. Then translation of this mRNA dictates the order in which
the amino acids need to link in order to form a certain protein ("Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Fact Sheet.").
In an amino acid there are two functional groups, a basic NH2 (amine group) and the
acidic COOH (carboxylic acid group). A series of peptide bonds linking 50 or more amino acids
is considered a protein (Modern Chemistry 756-757). A peptide bond occurs when an acid group
of one amino acid is covalently linked to the amine group of another amino acid. The two
groups bond together and a water molecule is eliminated (Biomolecules:Protein 1).

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(http://catalog.fl
atworldknowledge.com/bookhub/reader/2547?e=gob-ch18_s03)
Another reaction that occurs in cells is the methylation reaction. Methylation is carried
out by an enzymes called DNA methyltransferases (DMTs). In DNA methylation a methyl group
is placed on the carbon-5 position of the nucleic acid cytosine. The methyl group is contributed
by S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), resulting in 5-methylcytosine as one of the products
(Nature.com). The DMTs prefer to place the methyl group on a cytosine that has guanine
immediately just above or below it. This sequence of cytosine and guanine is referred to as
CpG pairs. The vast majority of these CpG pairs are found in the region where DNA is
transcribed to form mRNA. High levels of DNA methylation have been associated with the
switching off of genes. Genes are switched off when a protein called Methyl CpG binding
protein 2 (MeCP2) binds to the methylated CpG site. DNA methylation is important, because it
represses transcription. This is one mechanism which shuts genes off and what keeps the heart
cells from acting like brain cells (Carey 1-3).

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(http://www-medchem.ch.cam.ac.uk/lab_rotations/murrell.php)
DNA methylation is a normal, natural process. However when the process goes wrong
or awry a tumor can result. This can happen in one of two ways. The first way is that a gene
that is active in cell growth is silenced. The removal of natural methylation is the second way. A
gene that is typically off is then activated as a result. Abnormalities in DNA methylation are in
essence biomarkers for certain cancers. However, methylated genes in their natural state are
currently difficult to detect.. Scientists are still developing practical diagnostic tests for given
cancers through the detection of methylated genes (Fairley 59 & 61).

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Bibliography
"Biomolecules:Protein 1." Peptide Bonds. 18 Jan. 2014
<http://www.chem.wisc.edu/deptfiles/genchem/netorial/modules/biomolecules/modules/p
rotein1/prot15.htm>.
"Cambridge PhD Training Programme in Chemical Biology and Molecular Medicine."CRUK
PhD Training Programme in Medicinal Chemistry. 21 Jan. 2014
<http://www-medchem.ch.cam.ac.uk/lab_rotations/murrell.php>
Carey, Nessa. Epigentics in Action. Natural History 120 (2012): 1-3
<http://web.ebscohost.com/srck5/detail?sid=3ba81130-e65f-4c1c-9a7f5ce3665dd338%40sessionmgr198&vid=2&hid=114&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWNvb2tp
ZSxpcCxjcGlkJmN1c3RpZD1zNzMyNDk2NCZzaXRlPXNyY2s1LWxpdmUmc2NvcG
U9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=khh&AN=77346802>
Davis, Raymond, et al. Modern Chemistry. Austin: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2009
"Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Fact Sheet." Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Fact Sheet. 18 Jan.
2014
<http://www.genome.gov/25520880>.
Fairley, Peter. Epigenetics. Technology Review 109 (2006): 59 & 61
<http://web.ebscohost.com/srck5/pdf?sid=ff784b4b-8cab-49cd-9da6-18dcf9e420cc
%40sessionmgr111&vid=2&hid=114>
Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group. 18 Jan. 2014
<http://www.nature.com/nrrheum/journal/v3/n9/fig_tab/ncprheum0573_F2.html>.
"The Basics of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, v. 1.0." Flat World Knowledge.
21 Jan. 2014
<http://catalog.flatworldknowledge.com/bookhub/reader/2547?e=gob-ch18_s03>.

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