Adenosine monophosphate – Definition & Meaning

Adenosine monophosphate, also known as AMP, is a molecule found in all living cells. It plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including energy metabolism and signal transduction. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of adenosine monophosphate, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.

Definitions

Adenosine monophosphate is a nucleotide consisting of adenine, ribose, and a phosphate group. It is a building block of RNA and a precursor to ATP, the primary energy currency of cells. AMP is also involved in the regulation of enzyme activity and the synthesis of proteins.

Origin

Adenosine monophosphate was first identified in 1929 by British biochemist Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins. He discovered that it was a component of nucleic acids, which are the genetic material of cells. Since then, AMP has been extensively studied and found to be essential for many cellular processes.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, adenosine monophosphate is “a nucleotide C10H14N5O7P that is composed of adenosine and one phosphate group and is formed by the partial hydrolysis of ATP.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a nucleotide consisting of adenine, ribose, and one phosphate group, found in RNA and produced by the hydrolysis of ATP.”

Associations

AMP is closely associated with other nucleotides, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). ATP is the primary energy source for cells, while cAMP is a secondary messenger that regulates various cellular processes, including gene expression and metabolism.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of adenosine monophosphate include 5′-AMP, adenylic acid, and AMP nucleotide.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms of adenosine monophosphate, as it is a specific molecule with a unique structure and function.

The same root words

The root words of adenosine monophosphate are adenosine, mono-, and phosphate. Adenosine is a purine nucleoside that consists of adenine and ribose. Mono- means “one,” and phosphate refers to the chemical group consisting of phosphorus and oxygen.

Example Sentences

1. AMP is an important molecule in energy metabolism and signal transduction.
2. The hydrolysis of ATP produces adenosine monophosphate and inorganic phosphate.
3. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate is a secondary messenger that activates protein kinase A.
4. The addition of a phosphate group to adenosine monophosphate produces adenosine diphosphate (ADP).
5. Some enzymes require adenosine monophosphate for their activity to be regulated.