Cyclic AMP is

Options

A. Adenosine 1-3 monophosphate
B. Adenosine 2-4 monophosphate
C. Adenosine 3-5 monophosphate
D. Adenosine 1-5 monophosphate

Answer

To answer the question "Cyclic AMP is," we will go through the following steps:

### Step 1: Identify the correct chemical name for cyclic AMP.
Cyclic AMP is known as adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate. This means that the correct option from the given choices is adenosine 3, 5 monophosphate.

**Hint:** Look for the structure of cyclic AMP, which includes the 3' and 5' positions of the adenosine molecule.

### Step 2: Understand the function of cyclic AMP.
Cyclic AMP acts as an intracellular secondary messenger. This means it plays a crucial role in transmitting signals inside the cell after a hormone binds to a receptor on the cell surface.

**Hint:** Remember that secondary messengers amplify the signal from hormones or other signaling molecules.

### Step 3: Know how cyclic AMP is formed.
Cyclic AMP is derived from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through the action of the enzyme adenyl cyclase. When ATP is converted, it loses two phosphate groups and forms cyclic AMP.

**Hint:** Focus on the enzyme responsible for the conversion of ATP to cyclic AMP.

### Step 4: Recognize the role of cyclic AMP in biochemical processes.
Cyclic AMP is involved in various biochemical and molecular processes controlled by hormones. It helps regulate metabolism, gene expression, and cell signaling pathways.

**Hint:** Think about how hormones influence cellular activities and how cyclic AMP mediates these effects.

### Step 5: Learn about the degradation of cyclic AMP.
Cyclic AMP is eventually degraded by the enzyme phosphodiesterase, which converts it into 5' AMP (adenosine monophosphate). This degradation is important for regulating the levels of cyclic AMP in the cell.

**Hint:** Consider the importance of regulating signaling molecules and how their breakdown affects cellular responses.

### Final Answer:
Cyclic AMP is adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, an intracellular secondary messenger derived from ATP by the action of adenyl cyclase, and it is involved in various hormone-controlled biochemical processes. It is degraded by phosphodiesterase to form 5' AMP.

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