Chemical methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine by S-adenosylmethionine

The chemical methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) by S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) is most active when carried out at alkaline pH's. Phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine (PMME) and phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine are less effective reactants. The PE present in the microsomal and myelin membrane can serve as an acceptor in this reaction. Thin layer chromatography indicates the formation of the expected products.