Protein Kinases

Definition

Protein kinases are enzymes that play a crucial role in cell signaling by adding phosphate groups to proteins, a process known as phosphorylation. This modification can activate or deactivate the target protein, leading to changes in cellular processes.

Related terms

Phosphorylation:

Phosphorylation is the process of adding a phosphate group to a molecule, usually a protein. It can change the structure and function of the protein, regulating various cellular processes.

Signal Transduction:

Signal transduction refers to the process by which an extracellular signal is transmitted into a response inside the cell. Protein kinases are key players in this process, relaying signals from outside to inside the cell.

Protein Phosphatases: Protein phosphatases are enzymes that remove phosphate groups from proteins. They work in opposition to protein kinases and help restore balance in phosphorylation levels within cells.