noun
kinase
KYE-nays/kˈaɪnˌeɪz/
An enzyme that transfers phosphate groups to other molecules.
A kinase transfers a phosphate group to a target protein.
Etymology
Greek kinein supplies the idea of moving, while -ase marks an enzyme. Here the movement is the transfer of phosphate groups from one molecule to another.
In context
phosphorylase kinase takes atp and strips off that terminal phosphate adds it to phosphorylase
More examples
- The drug blocks a kinase involved in cell growth.
- Different kinases act on different molecules, including sugars and proteins.
- Researchers measure kinase activity before and after treatment.
Forms
kinase · kinases
Similar words
- phosphotransferase
- Names a broader enzyme class that includes kinases.