Acetylation vs. Acylation — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 20, 2023

Acetylation refers to the introduction of an acetyl group into a molecule. Acylation is the broader term for adding any acyl group to a molecule. Acetylation is a specific type of acylation.

Difference Between Acetylation and Acylation

Table of Contents

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Key Differences

Acetylation and Acylation, both are chemical processes that involve the addition of groups to a molecule. Acetylation specifically denotes the introduction of an acetyl group, which is characterized by the chemical formula -COCH₃, to another molecule. This can often be seen in organic chemistry and biochemistry, especially in reactions involving enzymes that add an acetyl group to molecules like proteins.

Nov 20, 2023

Acylation, on the other hand, is a more general term. It describes the process of adding an acyl group to a molecule. An acyl group has the general formula -COR, where 'R' can be any alkyl or aryl group. Therefore, while acetylation is always acylation because it involves adding an acyl group, not all acylations are acetylations.

Nov 20, 2023

In biological contexts, Acetylation has significant implications. For instance, the acetylation of histones in DNA can influence gene expression and regulate various cellular processes. On the flip side, Acylation, given its broader definition, can encompass a range of biological reactions, such as the acylation of proteins or enzymes which can modulate their activities.

Nov 20, 2023

One way to conceptualize the relationship between Acetylation and Acylation is to think of acetylation as a subset of acylation. Just as all squares (acetylation) are rectangles (acylation) but not all rectangles are squares, all acetyl additions are acyl additions, but not vice versa.

Nov 20, 2023

Comparison Chart

Definition

Addition of an acetyl group

Addition of any acyl group

Nov 20, 2023

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Group Introduced

-COCH₃

-COR (where R is any alkyl or aryl group)

Nov 20, 2023

Scope

Specific

General

Nov 20, 2023

Occurrence in Biochemistry

Histone acetylation, protein modifications

Protein/Enzyme modifications, fatty acid synthesis

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Example

Acetylation of lysine residues in proteins

Formation of esters through fatty acid acylation

Nov 20, 2023

Compare with Definitions

Acetylation

Chemical modification involving an acetyl group.

Acetylation of certain proteins can alter cellular pathways.

Oct 06, 2023

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Acylation

Reaction wherein -COR is attached to a substrate.

Acylation can produce a range of organic compounds.

Oct 06, 2023

Acetylation

Enzymatic addition of -COCH₃ to a substrate.

Enzyme-driven acetylation plays roles in metabolism.

Oct 06, 2023

Acylation

Can encompass acetylation as a specific subtype.

While acylation can be broad, acetylation is a specific instance.

Oct 06, 2023

Acetylation

Process of introducing an acetyl group into a molecule.

Histone acetylation can modulate gene expression.

Oct 06, 2023

Acylation

Broad chemical modification involving various acyl groups.

Different acyl groups can result in distinct acylation products.

Oct 06, 2023

Acetylation

Organic reaction resulting in the formation of an acetate ester.

Acetylation of an alcohol forms an acetate ester.

Oct 06, 2023

Acylation

Process of adding an acyl group to a molecule.

Acylation of amines forms amides.

Oct 06, 2023

Acetylation

Specific type of acylation with an acetyl group.

While acylation can vary, acetylation is precise.

Oct 06, 2023

Acylation

Often seen in formation of esters and amides in organic synthesis.

Acylation of alcohols with acyl chlorides produces esters.

Oct 06, 2023

Acetylation

To bring an acetyl group into (an organic molecule).

Oct 06, 2023

Acylation

(organic chemistry) The process of adding an acyl group to a compound.

Oct 06, 2023

Acetylation

(organic chemistry) The reaction of a substance with acetic acid or one of its derivatives; the introduction of one or more acetyl groups into a substance.

Oct 06, 2023

Acylation

The process of introducing an acyl group into a compound

Oct 06, 2023

Acetylation

The process of introducing an acetyl group into a compound;

The acetylation of cyclooxygenase-2 by aspirin

Oct 06, 2023

Common Curiosities

How is acylation different from acetylation?

Acylation refers to adding any acyl group, whereas acetylation is specific to adding an acetyl group.

Nov 20, 2023

What group is added during acetylation?

During acetylation, an acetyl group (-COCH₃) is added.

Nov 20, 2023

Why is acetylation important in biology?

Acetylation, especially of histones, plays a role in gene expression and protein function modulation.

Nov 20, 2023

What does an acyl group look like?

An acyl group has the formula -COR, where R can be any alkyl or aryl group.

Nov 20, 2023

Is acetylation a type of acylation?

Yes, acetylation is a specific type of acylation.

Nov 20, 2023

What are common reactions involving acylation?

Acylation reactions often involve formation of esters, amides, or ketones.

Nov 20, 2023

Is the enzyme catalyzing acetylation called an acetylase?

Yes, enzymes facilitating acetylation are often termed acetyltransferases or acetylases.

Nov 20, 2023

Can acetylation influence DNA structure?

Yes, histone acetylation can influence DNA packaging and accessibility.

Nov 20, 2023

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Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.