AMP Full Form

Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) is an organic heterocyclic compound (nucleotide) composed of a nitrogenous base and a backbone formed by a five-carbon sugar and a phosphate group. AMP has three monomers: adenine nitrogenous base, ribose sugar, and phosphate. Furthermore, AMP is formed by the esterification of phosphoric acid and adenosine. Following condensation, the single phosphate group can esterify in the carbon sugar molecule is 2′-3′- or 5′- position. Adenosine 5′-monophosphate is also known as 5′-adenylic acid and is a major component of the RNA molecule. AMP is pharmacologically used as a supplement to boost immune function and as a substitute sweetener in diets.

What are nucleotides and nucleosides?

A nucleotide is any biological substance whose molecular structure consists of three monomers, including a pentose sugar, a nitrogenous base, and a phosphate. Nucleotides are vital to life as they are essential components of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA responsible for genetic transmission. Their sugar element can either be ribose or deoxyribose. Nucleotides with ribose form RNA, while nucleotides with deoxyribose form DNA. Furthermore, nucleotides are named depending on the number of phosphate groups in their structure. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) has one phosphate group, while adenosine diphosphate (ADP) has two phosphate groups.

A major difference between a nucleotide and a nucleoside is the presence of the phosphate group. The nucleoside is made up of a nitrogenous base and one pentose sugar. Nucleosides are distinguished based on the pentose sugar monomer in their structure. Therefore, a nucleoside can be a ribonucleoside or a deoxyribonucleoside. Examples of ribonucleosides include adenosine, guanosine, cytidine, and uridine. Examples of deoxyribonucleosides include deoxyadenosine, thymidine, deoxyuridine, and deoxycytidine. The nitrogenous base also varies in nucleoside structures. They are either purine or pyrimidines.

What is the biological description of AMP?

Its IUPAC name is (2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(6-aminopurin-9-yl)-3,4-dihydroxy oxolan-2-yl methyl dihydrogen phosphate. Its molecular formula is C10H14N5O7P. AMP consists of a ribonucleoside and a phosphate group. Its nitrogenous base is the double-ringed purine adenine.

Adenylic acid is formed by the condensation of adenosine ribonucleoside and phosphoric acid. The attachment point between the phosphoric acid and sugar molecules may vary, resulting in adenosine 3′-monophosphate and adenosine 5′-monophosphate. AMP is always produced in the hydrolysis of all nucleic acids.

Biological reactions

AMP is produced in the body via enzymatic reactions. These reactions include: 

• The biological action of enzyme adenylate kinase on ADP during ATP synthesis:

2 ADP → ATP +AMP

• Hydrolysis of one phosphate group of ADP:

ADP + H2O → AMP +Pi

• Hydrolysis of ATP to form AMP and pyrophosphate:

ATP + H2O → AMP + Pi

• RNA is broken down to produce various nucleoside monophosphates, including AMP

Furthermore, various foods are rich in RNAs and are suitable sources of AMP in the diet.

AMP is also degraded in two biochemical reactions.

• The biological action of enzyme myoadenylate deaminase triggers the loss of an ammonia group converting AMP into inosine monophosphate (IMP)
• Catabolic reactions lead to the degradation of AMP into uric acid, which is excreted from the body

Biological functions

AMP as an RNA subunit

AMP is a constituent of RNA because it has the ribose in its structure as the pentose sugar. During the formation of RNA, each phosphate links the sugars of two adjacent nucleotide subunits, including AMP. The phosphate and sugar monomers form the backbone of RNA. The RNA sequence follows the 5′ to 3′ directionality.

AMP is involved in ATP synthesis.

ATP synthesis involves two steps, including:

• The reaction between AMP and ATP molecules

AMP + ATP → 2 ADP.

• Oxidative phosphorylation of ADP by ATP synthase

ADP + Pi → ATP.

ATP is an organic compound that stores large amounts of energy in its phosphate bonds. This energy is activated during various metabolic activities such as intracellular transport, motility, and cell division.

AMP is a source of IMP

Myoadenylate deaminase catalyses AMP into inosine monophosphate (IMP). IMP is used to flavour foods in manufacturing plants.

Cyclic AMP

AMP also occurs in a cyclic nature to form cyclic AMP or c-AMP. C-AMP is used in cellular signal transduction involving the movement of specific molecules into cells. These molecules include hormones such as glucagon and adrenaline, which are proteinous thus cannot pass through the cell membrane. Instead, they require a second messenger that is cyclic AMP. C-AMP stimulates protein kinase A activity to activate intracellular signal transduction. Cyclic AMP also plays a role in regulating the intracellular movement of calcium ions by altering the structure of the ion channels.

4-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) enzyme

AMPK enzyme in mammals regulates ATP levels in the body. During activities that require high cellular energy expenditure, AMPK binds to AMP to synthesise ATP. Combining AMP or ADP to AMPK enzyme causes fatty acid oxidation in the liver, formation of ketone bodies, increased glucose uptake, inhibition of cholesterol formation, inhibition of lipid synthesis, and regulation of insulin secretion by pancreatic beta-cells.

Conclusion:

Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) is a vital metabolic compound in cellular energy regulation and signal transduction. It is produced during various enzymatic reactions. These reactions are dependent on cellular hemostasis and can be down-regulated by disease. The biochemical reactions in which AMP is a reagent are also relevant in manufacturing. AMP catalysis by Myoadenylate deaminase forms IMP used in food flavouring. AMP is also a reagent in the synthesis of adenosine-5′-phospho imidazolide and branched polysaccharides. The main roles of AMP include producing energy by synthesising ATP, the formation of RNA molecules facilitating genetic transmission, and the transfer of hormones into the cell by signal transduction.