Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase

Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) is an important enzyme in cells that helps translate signals into actions. It is activated by calcium, a key mineral that cells use for various functions. When calcium levels rise, it binds to a protein called calmodulin, which then activates CaMK. This activation allows CaMK to modify other proteins by adding phosphate groups to them, influencing processes such as muscle contraction, cell growth, and communication between cells. Essentially, CaMK acts as a molecular switch, helping cells respond appropriately to changes in their environment.