Acetylation

Histone deacetylases "play crucial roles in gene transcription and most likely in all eukaryotic biological processes that involve chromatin".

The acetylation of the ε-amino group of lysine, which is common, converts a charged side chain to a neutral one.

[13][14] The process involves the chemical reaction of acetic anhydride with the free hydroxyl groups in wood polymers, mostly of lignin and hemicelluloses, without requiring a catalyst.

This effectively "locks" the cellular walls, minimizing the capacity of wood to absorb water and enhancing its dimensional stability.

The whole process is an environmentally friendly treatment, and has emerged, in the 21st century, as a significant innovation in the scientific area of wood science.