Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

Definition

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a secondary messenger important in many biological processes, particularly in the regulation of gene expression. It is derived from ATP and helps activate protein kinase A (PKA).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. cAMP levels are regulated by adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase.
2. In bacteria, cAMP plays a crucial role in the lac operon regulation by binding to the catabolite activator protein (CAP).
3. The binding of cAMP-CAP complex to DNA enhances RNA polymerase's ability to transcribe certain genes.
4. High glucose levels lead to low cAMP levels, which results in reduced activation of catabolic operons like the lac operon.
5. cAMP functions as an intracellular signal transducer involved in various metabolic pathways.

Review Questions

Related terms

Adenylate Cyclase:

An enzyme that converts ATP to cyclic AMP.

Phosphodiesterase: An enzyme that breaks down cAMP into AMP.

Catabolite Activator Protein (CAP): A protein that binds with cAMP to regulate gene transcription in bacteria.