cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate)

cAMP, or cyclic adenosine monophosphate, is a small molecule that acts as a messenger inside cells. It forms from ATP when certain signals, like hormones, activate receptors on cell surfaces. Once created, cAMP helps relay these signals to trigger specific responses, such as altering gene activity or regulating enzymes. It essentially amplifies and transmits signals, coordinating various cellular functions. By doing so, cAMP plays a vital role in processes like energy regulation, cell growth, and hormone responses, acting as a crucial communication link within the complex signaling networks of the body.