Phosphorolysis
Phosphorolysis
Phosphorolysis (/fɒs.fɔːˈrɒl.ɪ.sɪs/; from the Greek phosphoros, meaning "light-bringer", and lysis, meaning "loosening") is a biochemical process that cleaves a bond in a molecule using inorganic phosphate (Pi).
Overview
Phosphorolysis is a type of glycosyltransferase reaction, where a phosphate group is added to a molecule, causing it to break apart. This process is different from hydrolysis, where water is used to break bonds. Phosphorolysis is a reversible reaction, meaning it can proceed in both directions.
Mechanism
In phosphorolysis, the enzyme phosphorolase catalyzes the transfer of a glucosyl residue from a glycogen molecule to inorganic phosphate, producing glucose-1-phosphate. This reaction is reversible, and the direction it proceeds in depends on the concentrations of the reactants and products.
Biological Significance
Phosphorolysis plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates. It is involved in the breakdown of glycogen in the liver and muscles, providing glucose for energy. It is also involved in the synthesis of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
Related Terms
- Glycogenolysis: The process of breaking down glycogen into glucose.
- Glycosyltransferase: An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of sugar moieties from activated donor molecules to specific acceptor molecules.
- Hydrolysis: A reaction involving the breaking of a bond in a molecule using water.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Phosphorolysis
- Wikipedia's article - Phosphorolysis
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