verb
- to introduce a phosphate group into (a molecule or compound), especially a protein or enzyme, typically to activate or regulate its function
Usage: technical; biochemistry; third-person singular present tense of phosphorylate
Examples
- The kinase phosphorylates the target protein to activate its signaling pathway.
- This enzyme phosphorylates glucose as the first step of glycolysis.
- The hormone phosphorylates specific receptors on the cell surface.
- ATP phosphorylates ADP to regenerate energy in the cell.
- The mutation prevents the protein from being phosphorylated correctly.