Foszforilálják

Foszforilálják is a Hungarian verb that translates to "phosphorylate" in English. Phosphorylation is a fundamental biochemical process in which a phosphate group is added to a molecule. This process is crucial for a vast array of cellular functions and is often used to regulate the activity of proteins. In biological systems, the most common source of phosphate groups is adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which donates a phosphate to the target molecule, becoming adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in the process.

Enzymes called kinases are typically responsible for catalyzing phosphorylation reactions. They transfer a phosphate group from ATP to specific amino acid residues on a protein, such as serine, threonine, or tyrosine. This addition of a negatively charged phosphate group can significantly alter the protein's three-dimensional structure, thereby changing its biological activity. Phosphorylation can activate or inactivate enzymes, facilitate or inhibit protein-protein interactions, and signal for further cellular events.

The reverse process of dephosphorylation, where a phosphate group is removed, is carried out by enzymes called phosphatases. The dynamic balance between phosphorylation and dephosphorylation is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to various internal and external stimuli. This reversible modification is a key mechanism in signal transduction pathways, metabolism, and gene regulation, making phosphorylation a central theme in molecular biology and biochemistry.