Adenylokinase is a biological enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups from ATP to AMP molecules. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as əˌdɛnɪloʊˈkaɪneɪz. The first syllable is pronounced as "uh" with a schwa sound, followed by "den" pronounced as "den". The "o" in the second syllable is pronounced with a long "oh" sound, and the "ki" is pronounced as "ky". The last syllable is pronounced as "nayz". Overall, this word has a complex combination of vowel and consonant sounds that require careful pronunciation.
Adenylokinase is a noun that refers to an enzyme belonging to the transferase family of proteins. This enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the chemical reaction involved in the conversion of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) through the transfer of a phosphate group.
Adenylokinase plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nucleotide pool in cells by regulating the levels of AMP and ADP. By salvaging AMP, this enzyme ensures that it is efficiently converted into ADP to participate in important cellular processes.
In molecular terms, adenylokinase acts by binding to AMP and transferring a phosphate group from AMP to ADP, resulting in the formation of ADP and inorganic phosphate. This reaction is vital in generating the energy currency adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is required for various cellular functions, including muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and transport mechanisms.
Adenylokinase can be found in various organisms, including bacteria, yeast, plants, and animals, indicating its evolutionary conservation across different species. Its presence is particularly significant in tissues with high energy demands, such as skeletal muscles and the brain.
Overall, adenylokinase is an important enzyme involved in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis by mediating the interconversion between AMP and ADP, ultimately contributing to the efficient production of ATP for cellular functions.
The word "adenylokinase" is derived from two main components: "adenyl-" and "-kinase".
"Adenyl-" is derived from "adenosine", which refers to a nucleoside composed of adenine and ribose. "Adenosine" itself comes from combining "adenine" with the suffix "-ose", indicating a sugar. "Adenine" is the name of a nitrogen-containing compound, first isolated from the pancreas by the scientists Albrecht Kossel and Albert Neumann in the late 19th century.
The suffix "-kinase" refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to a substrate. The term "kinase" derives from the Greek word "kinein", meaning "to move" or "to induce motion".