Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a small molecule that acts as a messenger inside cells, helping transmit signals from the outside to the inside. When a hormone or other signal binds to a cell’s surface, it can activate enzymes that produce cAMP. This molecule then triggers a series of internal processes, leading to changes in the cell’s activity, such as adjusting energy levels or gene expression. In essence, cAMP plays a crucial role in how cells respond to signals, coordinating important functions like metabolism, growth, and communication.