CAMP (biochemistry)

Genesis
It is formed from ATP through an enzyme adenylyl cyclase.

Meaning
cAMP (cyklic 3´,5´-adenosine monophosphate) is used as one of the second messengers in cell signaling. Its activating effect on the enzyme protein kinase A is important.

Degradation
cAMP is degradated through an enzyme phosphodiesterase. This enzyme hydrolyzes its phosphodiester bond and thereby changes it to the physiologically ineffective form adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP).

It is one of the ways of regulating the transfer of information through the regulation of the concentrations of second messengers in the cytoplasm.

Related articles

 * Adenylyl cyclase