Cyclic amp

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

Cyclic AMP (cAMP), or cyclic adenosine monophosphate, is a second messenger important in many biological processes. It is derived from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and used for intracellular signal transduction in many different organisms, conveying the cAMP-dependent pathway.

Pronunciation

Cyclic AMP is pronounced as /ˈsaɪklɪk eɪ em piː/.

Etymology

The term "cyclic AMP" is derived from its structure, which consists of a cyclic ring of atoms and the molecule adenosine monophosphate. The "cyclic" part of the name refers to the ring structure, while "AMP" is an abbreviation for adenosine monophosphate.

Function

Cyclic AMP is used for intracellular signal transduction, such as transferring into cells the effects of hormones like glucagon and adrenaline, which cannot pass through the plasma membrane. It is also involved in the activation of protein kinases and regulates the effects of adrenaline and glucagon. It also regulates the passage of calcium ions.

Related Terms

• Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
• Glucagon
• Adrenaline
• Protein kinases
• Calcium ions
• Plasma membrane
• Signal transduction

See Also

• Second messenger system
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Adenylyl cyclase

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