Phosphorylation

Definition

Phosphorylation is the addition of a phosphate group to a protein or other organic molecule, which can alter its function and activity. It plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including signal transduction and metabolism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Phosphorylation is essential for activating or deactivating enzymes that regulate metabolic pathways.
2. In neurons, phosphorylation affects neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity, impacting learning and memory.
3. Abnormal phosphorylation is linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease due to tau protein hyperphosphorylation.
4. Nutrient availability, particularly glucose and ATP, directly influences phosphorylation through energy metabolism pathways.
5. Insulin signaling involves phosphorylation cascades that affect brain glucose uptake and overall neurological health.

Review Questions

• How does phosphorylation impact enzyme activity in metabolic pathways?
• What role does phosphorylation play in neuronal function?
• Why is abnormal phosphorylation significant in neurodegenerative diseases?

Related terms

ATP: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy carrier in cells, providing the phosphate group for phosphorylation reactions.

Kinase: An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups from high-energy donor molecules like ATP to specific substrates.

Signal Transduction: The process by which a cell converts an extracellular signal into a functional change via molecular events such as phosphorylation.