Adenylate is a term used in biochemistry and molecular biology to describe a molecule that is formed by the combination of adenine and ribose. This molecule is an essential component of many biological processes, including the synthesis of DNA and RNA. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of adenylate, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Adenylate is defined as a nucleotide that is composed of adenine, ribose, and a phosphate group. It is a building block of RNA and is also involved in the synthesis of ATP, the energy currency of cells.
Origin
The term adenylate comes from the word adenine, which is a nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA, and the suffix -ylate, which is used to indicate the presence of a functional group. The word adenine is derived from the Greek word aden, which means gland, as it was first isolated from the pancreas of an ox.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, adenylate is defined as “a nucleotide that is composed of adenine, ribose, and a phosphate group and that is a component of RNA and ATP”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a nucleotide consisting of adenine, ribose, and a phosphate group, present in RNA and involved in the synthesis of ATP”.
Associations
Adenylate is associated with many biological processes, including the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the regulation of gene expression, and the production of energy in cells. It is also involved in signaling pathways and is a target for many drugs and therapeutic agents.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for adenylate include adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenylic acid, and 5′-adenylic acid.
Antonyms
As adenylate is a specific molecule, there are no specific antonyms. However, some general antonyms for nucleotides include deoxyribonucleotides and uridine monophosphate.
The same root words
Adenylate is derived from the word adenine, which is also the root word for adenosine, adenylic acid, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Example Sentences
- Adenylate is a crucial component of RNA, which plays a vital role in protein synthesis.
- The production of ATP, which is essential for cellular energy, involves the breakdown of adenylate.
- Many drugs target adenylate cyclase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cyclic AMP.
- Adenylate kinase is an enzyme that transfers a phosphate group from ATP to AMP, generating two molecules of ADP.
- Mutations in genes that encode enzymes involved in adenylate metabolism can lead to genetic disorders such as adenosine deaminase deficiency.