How Do You Spell PHOSPHORYLATE?

1. Phosphorylate is a verb commonly used in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. It refers to the process of adding a phosphate group (consisting of one phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms) to a molecule, typically a protein, nucleotide, or other organic compound. This addition of a phosphate group is carried out through a chemical reaction called phosphorylation.

   Phosphorylation plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including signal transduction, protein activation, cell cycle regulation, enzyme activity modulation, and energy storage. It is a post-translational modification that can alter the structure, function, and stability of the targeted molecule.

   Phosphorylation occurs when a phosphate molecule (often derived from ATP, adenosine triphosphate) donates a phosphate group to a specific site on the target molecule, resulting in the formation of a high-energy phosphate bond. This transfer may be mediated by protein kinases, enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation reactions, or by chemical reactions in non-biological contexts.

   The addition of a phosphate group alters the electrical charge and shape of the target molecule, leading to conformational changes that can influence its interactions with other molecules and cellular processes. The addition or removal of phosphate groups is a tightly regulated process in living organisms, making phosphorylation a key mechanism for cellular signal transduction and protein regulation.

   In summary, phosphorylation is the enzymatic or chemical process by which a phosphate group is added to a molecule, often a protein or nucleotide, altering its structure and function and playing a significant role in various biological processes.

Common Misspellings for PHOSPHORYLATE

The word "phosphorylate" is derived from the noun "phosphate" and the verb-forming suffix "-ylate".

The noun "phosphate" comes from the French word "phosphate", which was derived from the German word "Phosphorsäure" meaning "phosphoric acid". The German word further originates from the Greek word "phosphoros" meaning "light-bringer" or "bearer of light". This is because phosphorus, an element found in phosphoric acid, emits a faint glow when exposed to oxygen.

The verb-forming suffix "-ylate" is derived from the German word "-yl" used to indicate a radical in organic compounds. The German suffix "-yl" is derived from the French suffix "-yle" which, in turn, comes from the Greek word "hyle" meaning "wood" or "matter".

Conjugate verb Phosphorylate