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Phase II Methylation

Meaning

Phase II Methylation is a critical detoxification process in the liver and other tissues that involves the enzymatic transfer of a methyl group ($text{CH}_3$) to a substrate, such as a steroid hormone metabolite or an environmental toxin. This conjugation reaction serves to make the compound less biologically active and significantly more water-soluble, thereby facilitating its safe and timely excretion from the body. It is an essential step in maintaining hormonal homeostasis.