Phosphorylation
Phosphorylation is a biochemical reaction where a phosphate group (PO4) is covalently bonded to another organic molecule. An example of phosphorylation is the addition of a phosphate to Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) to form the molecule Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) [1]. Oxidative phosphorylation is the chemical pathway in which ATP is synthesised in mitochondria and bacteria, driven by the transfer of electrons across an electron transfer chain [2].
Phosphorylaion occurs in all domains of life. Its basic function is to swich compounds from one state to another, and back again.
References
- ↑ http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8935
- ↑ Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th Edition, Garland Sciences, Alberts et al, Pg 819-821 and Glossary 27.