A compound formed from ATP that acts as a second messenger.Activates protein kinase A
The compound we are referring to is cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
The compound we are referring to is cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is converted into cAMP by the enzyme adenylyl cyclase. cAMP serves as a second messenger in signal transduction pathways within cells.
When a signaling molecule, such as a hormone or a neurotransmitter, binds to its receptor on the surface of a cell, it triggers a series of events leading to the activation of adenylyl cyclase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of ATP into cAMP. cAMP then diffuses throughout the cell, transmitting the signal from the cell surface to the interior.
One of the major targets of cAMP is protein kinase A (PKA). Upon binding to cAMP, PKA dissociates into its active catalytic subunits, thereby becoming activated. Activated PKA then phosphorylates various target proteins, leading to the initiation of a cascade of intracellular signaling events.
Phosphorylation by PKA can regulate the activity of enzymes and transcription factors, as well as the function of ion channels, transporters, and receptors. This phosphorylation-dependent regulation ultimately affects numerous cellular processes, including metabolism, growth, development, and gene expression.
In summary, cAMP is a compound formed from ATP that acts as a second messenger in signaling pathways. It activates protein kinase A, which then regulates the activity of various proteins within the cell, allowing for the transmission and amplification of signals. This mechanism enables cells to respond to external cues efficiently and coordinate complex biological processes.
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