Dephosphorylation

Definition

Dephosphorylation is the removal of a phosphate group from an organic molecule. This process is crucial in regulating cellular activities and signaling pathways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dephosphorylation is often catalyzed by enzymes known as phosphatases.
2. It plays a key role in turning off signal transduction pathways by deactivating proteins.
3. Dephosphorylation can occur in various cellular locations, including the cytoplasm and mitochondria.
4. In the context of cellular respiration, dephosphorylation helps regulate metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
5. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) can be dephosphorylated to ADP (adenosine diphosphate), releasing energy for cellular functions.

Review Questions

• What enzyme is primarily responsible for catalyzing dephosphorylation?
• How does dephosphorylation affect signal transduction pathways?
• What role does dephosphorylation play in the regulation of metabolic pathways?

Related terms

Phosphatase: An enzyme that catalyzes the removal of phosphate groups from molecules.

Phosphorylation:

The addition of a phosphate group to an organic molecule, often regulating activity and function.

Signal Transduction: The process by which a cell responds to external signals through a series of molecular changes.