The full form of GTP is Guanosine Triphosphate.
GTP is a crucial molecule involved in various cellular processes, including:
- Signal transduction: GTP acts as a signaling molecule in many cellular pathways, like the activation of G-protein coupled receptors.
- Protein synthesis: GTP is essential for the elongation step during protein synthesis, ensuring accurate translation of genetic information into proteins.
- Cellular energy: GTP provides energy for various cellular functions like microtubule polymerization and the movement of motor proteins.
GTP is structurally similar to ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), another important energy carrier molecule in cells. Both molecules consist of a nitrogenous base (guanine in GTP and adenine in ATP), a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups.
