Energy-rich compounds; ATP, Cyclic AMP, and their biological significance
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) are energy-rich compounds that play important roles in cellular metabolism and signaling.
ATP is often referred to as the “energy currency” of the cell, as it is used to power many cellular processes that require energy, such as muscle contraction, active transport of molecules across cell membranes, and biosynthesis of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. ATP is synthesized through cellular respiration, a process that converts glucose and other organic compounds into energy that can be stored in ATP molecules. The breakdown of ATP releases energy that can be used by the cell to drive endergonic reactions.
cAMP is a second messenger molecule that is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes, including metabolism, gene expression, and cell growth and differentiation. cAMP is synthesized from ATP by the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which is activated by signals such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors. cAMP binds to and activates protein kinase A (PKA), which then phosphorylates a variety of target proteins, leading to changes in their activity and function.
The biological significance of ATP and cAMP lies in their roles in regulating cellular processes that are critical for the survival and function of the cell. Without ATP, the cell would be unable to perform many essential functions, and without cAMP, the cell would be unable to respond to signals from its environment. Dysregulation of ATP and cAMP signaling is associated with a variety of diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and neurological disorders. Therefore, understanding the roles of ATP and cAMP in cellular metabolism and signaling is important for the development of therapies for these diseases.
First Year Pharm D Subjects Syllabus, Notes, PDF Books, MCQ
| 1.1 | Human Anatomy and Physiology |
| 1.2 | Pharmaceutics |
| 1.3 | Medicinal Biochemistry |
| 1.4 | Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry |
| 1.5 | Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry |
| 1.6 | Remedial Mathematics/ Biology |
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