Phosphocreatine

Phosphocreatine, also known as creatine phosphate or PCr, is a phosphorylated creatine molecule that serves as a rapidly mobilizable reserve of high-energy phosphates in skeletal muscle and the brain to recycle adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell.

Function

Phosphocreatine is a key player in the ATP/ADP cycle, where it acts as a buffer for ATP concentration. It is especially important in tissues that have high, fluctuating energy demands such as muscle and brain.

Biochemistry

Phosphocreatine is synthesized in the liver and transported to the muscle cells, via the bloodstream, where it is phosphorylated into creatine phosphate. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme creatine kinase.

Clinical significance

Phosphocreatine recovery kinetics following exercise can provide a measure of skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. Abnormalities in the phosphocreatine recovery rate have been identified in a range of muscular disorders.

See also

• Creatine
• Creatine kinase
• Adenosine triphosphate
• Adenosine diphosphate

References

Phosphocreatine Resources
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