Phosphoryl: meaning, definitions and examples
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phosphoryl
[ ˈfɔs.fər.ɪl ]
biochemistry compound
Phosphoryl refers to a phosphoric acid group that is attached to a molecule, typically involved in energy transfer or signal transduction processes in cells. It is often a component of phosphorylated molecules, which play critical roles in biological systems.
Synonyms
phosphate group.
Examples of usage
- The phosphoryl group enhances the energy of ATP.
- Phosphoryl transfer is vital for many enzymatic reactions.
- Phosphoryl modifications can alter protein function.
Etymology
The term 'phosphoryl' originates from the combination of 'phosphor' and the suffix '-yl.' The word 'phosphor' comes from Greek, meaning 'light bearer,' and was historically used to denote substances that emitted light. With the discovery of phosphorus in the 17th century, it was recognized for its essential biological roles. The suffix '-yl' is commonly used in chemistry to denote a group derived from a specified substance. The term gained prominence in the early 20th century as the study of biochemistry and molecular biology advanced, leading to better understanding the functions of phosphoryl groups in cellular signaling and metabolism.