Definition

To add a phosphate group to a molecule, often in biological processes.

Example

Enzymes can phosphorylate proteins to regulate their activity.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know that enzymes can phosphorylate other molecules to activate them?

Really? I had no idea enzymes could do that.

Yeah, it's a key process in many biochemical reactions.

That sounds fascinating! I need to read more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Phosphorylate → It is formed from "phosphorus" (from Greek "phosphoros", meaning light-bringer or morning star) and "-ylate" (a suffix used in chemistry to indicate the addition of a group). The word "phosphorylate" means to add a phosphate group to a molecule, often in the context of biochemistry.

Memory Tip

Think of 'phosphorus' as the 'light-bringer' that adds a 'group' to a molecule, which is what happens during phosphorylation.

Visually Confused Words