Dephosphorylation

Definition

Dephosphorylation is the removal of a phosphate group from an organic molecule by the action of enzymes. This process is crucial for regulating cellular activities and metabolic pathways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dephosphorylation is typically catalyzed by enzymes known as phosphatases.
2. It plays a key role in the regulation of metabolic pathways by altering the activity of proteins and enzymes.
3. Dephosphorylation often acts as a switch to turn off signal transduction pathways that are activated by phosphorylation.
4. This process can counteract phosphorylation, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis.
5. In microbial metabolism, dephosphorylation helps in energy management by modulating the activity of key metabolic enzymes.

Review Questions

• What type of enzyme catalyzes dephosphorylation?
• How does dephosphorylation affect signal transduction pathways?
• Why is dephosphorylation important in maintaining cellular homeostasis?

Related terms

Phosphorylation: The addition of a phosphate group to an organic molecule, often mediated by kinases.

Phosphatase: An enzyme that catalyzes the removal of a phosphate group from its substrate.

Kinase: An enzyme that transfers phosphate groups from high-energy donor molecules to specific substrates.