Definition
calmodulin
noun
- A small regulatory protein found in eukaryotic cells that binds calcium ions and activates various enzymes and cellular processes.
Usage: technical; biology; biochemistry
Examples
- Calmodulin plays a crucial role in muscle contraction by regulating myosin light chain kinase.
- When calcium levels rise in the cell, calmodulin binds to the calcium ions and changes shape.
- The calmodulin-calcium complex activates numerous signaling pathways in neurons.
- Researchers study calmodulin to understand how cells respond to calcium signals.
- Calmodulin is one of the most highly conserved proteins across different organisms.