Fosfooryloitunut

Fosfooryloitunut is a Finnish term that translates to "phosphorylated" in English. It describes a chemical modification where a phosphate group (PO4) is added to a molecule. This process is fundamental in biological systems and plays a crucial role in a wide variety of cellular functions. Enzymes called kinases are typically responsible for catalyzing the addition of phosphate groups to other molecules, a process known as phosphorylation.

Phosphorylation is a reversible reaction. The removal of a phosphate group is called dephosphorylation, and it is often carried out by enzymes called phosphatases. This dynamic on-off switch allows cells to rapidly regulate the activity of proteins and other molecules. Many proteins, particularly enzymes and signaling molecules, are activated or deactivated by phosphorylation. This mechanism is central to signal transduction pathways, which cells use to communicate and respond to their environment. For example, in cellular respiration, phosphorylation is a key step in generating ATP, the main energy currency of the cell. It also plays roles in DNA replication, protein synthesis, and muscle contraction.