cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) is not an enzyme; it is a second messenger. It is synthesized by the enzyme adenylyl cyclase.
While cAMP itself doesn't function as an enzyme, it plays a crucial role in cellular signaling pathways by activating protein kinases, particularly protein kinase A (PKA). Adenylyl cyclase, the enzyme that produces cAMP, converts ATP (adenosine triphosphate) into cAMP and pyrophosphate.
Here's a breakdown to clarify:
- Adenylyl Cyclase: This is the enzyme. It catalyzes the reaction that produces cAMP.
- cAMP (cyclic AMP): This is a second messenger. It relays signals received at cell surface receptors to intracellular targets like protein kinases.
- Protein Kinase A (PKA): cAMP activates PKA, another enzyme (a protein kinase), which then phosphorylates other proteins, leading to specific cellular responses.
Therefore, it's essential to distinguish between the enzyme responsible for cAMP production (adenylyl cyclase) and cAMP itself, which is a signaling molecule.
