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Phosphorylate Meaning: Definition and Examples

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phosphorylate

[fɒsfəˌreɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

biochemistry process

Phosphorylate refers to the process of adding a phosphate group to a molecule, often a protein or other organic molecule. This process is crucial in regulating the activity of enzymes and receptors, ultimately influencing various cellular functions.

Synonyms

add phosphate, modify, phosphate.

Examples of usage

  • The enzyme will phosphorylate the substrate to initiate the reaction.
  • Phosphorylation can alter the function of proteins.
  • Insulin activates pathways that phosphorylate glucose transporters.
  • Cells use kinases to phosphorylate specific amino acids.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Phosphorylation is a key process in regulating many cellular activities, including metabolism and cell signaling.
  • Enzymes called kinases are responsible for the addition of phosphate groups, whereas phosphatases remove them, creating a dynamic balance.
  • One of the most studied phosphorylated proteins is insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels in the human body.

Science and Technology

  • In biotechnology, understanding phosphorylation is crucial for developing drugs that target specific cell pathways.
  • Phosphorylation impacts how proteins interact with each other and has implications for cancer research and treatments.

Popular Culture

  • In science fiction, some stories highlight the idea of altering DNA processes, sometimes referencing phosphorylation as a method of modification.
  • The phrase 'phosphorylation state' has occasionally entered broader discussions about health and fitness, emphasizing its biological importance.

Applications

  • Phosphorylation plays a vital role in signal transduction pathways, allowing cells to respond to their environment.
  • Understanding this process is fundamental in the design of targeted therapies for diseases associated with protein misregulation.

Origin of 'phosphorylate'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'phosphate', a chemical group, with '-ylate', a suffix used to indicate a process or action.
  • Phosphate originally comes from the Greek word 'phosphoros', meaning 'light-bringer', reflecting its importance in energy processes.

The term 'phosphorylate' is derived from the root word 'phosphate', which comes from the French word 'phosphate' and the Greek word 'phosphoros', meaning 'light bearer', referring to phosphorus's role in various life processes. The term began to appear in scientific literature in the mid-20th century as researchers gained deeper insights into cellular processes and the significance of phosphorylation in signal transduction and metabolic pathways. Initially, it described the addition of phosphates to carbohydrates and lipids, but later, it extended to proteins, leading to a broader understanding of its impact on cellular regulation. Understanding phosphorylation has become integral to biochemistry and molecular biology, shedding light on how cells communicate and regulate life-sustaining functions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,159, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.