Kinases
Kinases
Kinases (/kaɪˈneɪsɪz/), also known as protein kinases, are a type of enzyme that transfers phosphate groups from high-energy donor molecules, such as ATP, to specific target molecules (substrates); this process is known as phosphorylation.
Etymology
The term "kinase" is derived from the Greek word kinēsis, meaning movement. This is in reference to the movement of the phosphate group during the phosphorylation process.
Function
Kinases play a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell division, protein regulation, and signal transduction. They are involved in the regulation of most cellular pathways, especially those involved in signal transduction. The human genome contains about 500 kinase genes and they constitute about 2% of all human genes.
Types of Kinases
There are several types of kinases, each with a specific function. These include:
- Tyrosine kinase: This type of kinase is involved in many cellular processes, including cell division and growth, and the regulation of cell shape and movement.
- Serine/threonine kinase: This kinase is involved in the regulation of a wide variety of cellular processes, including cell growth, cell cycle progression, and cell differentiation.
- Lipid kinase: This kinase is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism and signal transduction.
Related Terms
- Phosphatase: An enzyme that removes a phosphate group from its substrate, the opposite action of a kinase.
- Substrate (biochemistry): The molecule upon which an enzyme acts.
- Signal transduction: The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events.
- Cell division: The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.
- Protein regulation: The various ways in which cells control the activity or amount of individual protein molecules.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Kinases
- Wikipedia's article - Kinases
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