Phosphylated

Phosphylated refers to a molecule that has undergone phosphorylation, a chemical process where a phosphate group is added. This addition typically occurs to an organic molecule, most commonly through the formation of a phosphoester bond. Phosphorylation is a fundamental and ubiquitous biochemical process found in all living organisms.

In biology, phosphorylation plays a crucial role in regulating a vast array of cellular processes. It acts as a molecular switch, altering the activity, localization, and interactions of proteins. For example, many enzymes are regulated by phosphorylation, either becoming activated or deactivated upon the addition of a phosphate group. This mechanism is central to signal transduction pathways, where a cascade of phosphorylation events transmits information from the cell surface to the interior, leading to specific cellular responses.

Phosphorylation also plays a vital role in energy metabolism. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells, is a phosphorylated molecule. The cleavage of phosphate bonds in ATP releases energy that powers cellular activities. Similarly, phosphorylated intermediates are key components in metabolic pathways like glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. In other contexts, molecules can be phosphylated for purposes such as flame retardancy or as components in various chemical syntheses. The term simply indicates the presence of a phosphate group attached to another molecule.