What is "transmethylation"

n. (context organic chemistry biochemistry English) The transfer of a methyl group between molecules, especially between biological compounds such as amino acids or the components of nucleic acids

Transmethylation is a biologically important organic chemical reaction in which a methyl group is transferred from one compound to another.

An example of transmethylation is the recovery of methionine from homocysteine. In order to sustain sufficient reaction rates during metabolic stress, this reaction requires adequate levels of vitamin B and folic acid. Methyl tetrahydrofolate delivers methyl groups to form the active methyl form of vitamin B that is required for methylation of homocysteine. Deficiencies of vitamin B or folic acid cause increased levels of circulating homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is linked to the metabolic syndrome (insulin insensitivity).

Transmethylation is decreased sometimes in parents of children with autism.