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Phosphorylate: meaning, definitions 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

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

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.