c-AMP

views updated Jun 08 2018

c-AMP (cyclic AMP) Cyclic form of adenosine monophosphate that is formed from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in a reaction mediated (catalysed) by adenyl cyclase. It has numerous functions in animal cells and micro-organisms, acting variously as a genetic regulator, as a mediator in the activity of some hormones, as an enzyme activator, as a secondary messenger, and as a chemical attractant. Its presence in higher plants has not been fully established.

c-AMP

views updated Jun 08 2018

c-AMP (cyclic AMP) A cyclic form of adenosine monophosphate, formed from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in a reaction mediated (catalysed) by adenyl cyclase, which has numerous functions in cells. It can act variously as a genetic regulator, as a mediator in the activity of some hormones, as an enzyme activator, as a secondary messenger, and as a chemical attractant.