DNA Methylation Explained: Visual Guide to Epigenetic Modification #177356 (License: Personal Use)

The image illustrates DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism where a methyl group (CH₃) is covalently added to the 5′ carbon of cytosine bases, typically in CpG dinucleotides. The top panel shows a DNA double helix with methylated cytosines marked “M,” while the bottom panel displays the chemical structure of 5-methylcytosine alongside explanatory text. This modification influences chromatin structure and gene silencing without altering the underlying DNA sequence.

Used in educational, biomedical, and scientific web pages explaining epigenetics, gene regulation, cancer biology, or molecular genetics; targets students, researchers, and clinicians seeking visual clarification of methylation mechanisms.