Adenylyl cyclase

Definition

Adenylyl cyclase is an enzyme found in the cell membranes that converts ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP) when activated by hormones. This process is crucial for transmitting signals inside cells, particularly in response to hormonal stimulation.

Related terms

Hormones: Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate various processes in the body by binding to specific receptors.

cAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate): A second messenger important in many biological processes, acting as a crucial signal carrier within cells.

Receptor: A protein molecule on a cell's surface or inside a cell that binds to specific substances like hormones, leading to a cellular response