fosforyloituminen

Fosforyloituminen refers to the biochemical process of adding a phosphate group to a molecule. This often occurs in biological systems, particularly within cellular metabolism. The phosphate group is typically donated from adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a primary energy currency in cells, although other phosphate donors exist.

This addition of a phosphate group, known as phosphorylation, can significantly alter the properties of the molecule it attaches to. It can change the molecule's charge, its shape, its solubility, or its activity. In many cases, phosphorylation acts as a switch, activating or deactivating enzymes, signaling pathways, or other cellular components. For example, protein kinases are enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation of proteins, playing a crucial role in cell signaling and regulation.

The reverse process, the removal of a phosphate group, is called dephosphorylation and is catalyzed by enzymes called phosphatases. The dynamic interplay between phosphorylation and dephosphorylation is fundamental to a vast array of cellular functions, including energy production, muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission, and gene expression. Errors in these phosphorylation-dephosphorylation events are often implicated in various diseases, including cancer and metabolic disorders.