logo
AAT Bioquest

Are methyl groups positive or negative?

Posted April 9, 2021


Answer

Methyl groups are molecules that comprise of one carbon atom surrounded by three hydrogen atoms. These are nonpolar functional groups. They are neither positive nor negative. Instead, the electrical charges are distributed evenly across the molecule.

Methyl groups circulate naturally in the body, facilitating the smooth functioning of various biological processes. DNA methylation is one such process.

Additional resources

DNA methylation and its basic function

Thioflavin S *CAS 1326-12-1*

Dyes by Functional Group