How Do You Spell ADENYLATE?

Pronunciation: [ˈadənˌɪle͡ɪt] (IPA)

Adenylate is spelled \əˈdɛnəleɪt\ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word refers to a nucleotide that contains adenine and ribose. The spelling of adenylate can be broken down into three parts: "ade-" representing adenine, "-yl-" indicating a functional group containing a hydrocarbon radical, and "-ate" indicating a compound containing an oxyanion of an element (in this case, phosphorus). Together, the spelling of "adenylate" accurately represents the composition and molecular structure of this important nucleotide.

ADENYLATE Meaning and Definition

1. Adenylate is a term used in biochemistry and molecular biology to refer to a type of nucleotide derivative that plays a central role in cellular metabolism. Specifically, it is a compound formed by the attachment of a ribose sugar molecule to adenine through a phosphodiester bond. The resulting structure is a nucleoside monophosphate, often abbreviated as "AMP" (adenosine monophosphate).

   Adenylate serves as a crucial intermediate in various biochemical processes within living organisms. It is involved in energy transfer and storage, as it is a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a vital cellular energy currency. ATP is synthesized through the addition of two additional phosphates to adenylate, resulting in the formation of a nucleoside triphosphate.

   Furthermore, adenylate participates in the synthesis of various coenzymes, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are essential for numerous enzymatic reactions in metabolism.

   In addition to its role in energy metabolism, adenylate also functions as a signaling molecule. It can act as a second messenger, relaying extracellular signals into intracellular responses. For instance, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is derived from adenylate and regulates various physiological processes, including hormone signaling, gene expression, and cell growth.

   Overall, adenylate is a crucial molecule in cellular metabolism, serving as a fundamental building block for nucleotides, energetic currency, and a signaling molecule essential for the proper functioning and regulation of biological systems.

Etymology of ADENYLATE

The word "adenylate" is derived from the terms "adenine" and "ylate". "Adenine" is named after the Greek word "aden" meaning "gland" because it was first isolated from the glands of a calf, and "ylate" is a suffix indicating the esterification or formation of derivatives. Therefore, "adenylate" refers to a derivative or ester of adenine.