CYCLIC AMP Meaning and
Definition
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Cyclic adenosine monophosphate, commonly known as cyclic AMP or cAMP, is a molecule that plays a crucial role in cellular signaling and regulation. It is a second messenger derived from adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule involved in energy transfer within cells.
Cyclic AMP acts as a signaling molecule by binding to and activating an enzyme called protein kinase A (PKA). When a molecule such as a hormone or neurotransmitter binds to a cell surface receptor, it triggers the production of cyclic AMP by an enzyme called adenylate cyclase. Cyclic AMP then stimulates PKA, which in turn phosphorylates target proteins, leading to various cellular responses.
This molecule is involved in many physiological processes, including metabolism, cell growth and division, gene expression, and neurotransmitter release. It is particularly important in the regulation of hormone secretion, and it serves as a key mediator between extracellular signals and intracellular responses.
Cyclic AMP has been extensively studied and is known to be involved in numerous signaling pathways and signaling cascades. Its levels within a cell are tightly regulated by the balance between its production and degradation.
Overall, cyclic AMP is a crucial second messenger molecule that helps transmit extracellular signals to the intracellular environment, regulating various cellular processes and contributing to maintaining overall homeostasis in the body.
Common Misspellings for CYCLIC AMP
- xyclic amp
- vyclic amp
- fyclic amp
- dyclic amp
- ctclic amp
- cgclic amp
- chclic amp
- cuclic amp
- c7clic amp
- c6clic amp
- cyxlic amp
- cyvlic amp
- cyflic amp
- cydlic amp
- cyckic amp
- cycpic amp
- cycoic amp
- cycluc amp
- cycljc amp
- cyclkc amp
Etymology of CYCLIC AMP
The term "cyclic AMP" or "cAMP" is an abbreviation for cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Cyclic: The term "cyclic" refers to something that forms a closed loop or ring structure. In the case of cAMP, it indicates that the molecule possesses a cyclic structure.
2. Adenosine: Adenosine is a nucleoside compound, consisting of the nucleobase adenine and the sugar ribose. It is commonly found in nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. The term "adenosine" in cAMP indicates the presence of the adenine base.
3. Monophosphate: "Mono" refers to one, while "phosphate" refers to a chemical group composed of one phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms.
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