Yes – there be biochemistry here. You have been warned.
As my first post, I thought I would be remiss if I did not explain why I have gone with Adenozine as a title. Well firstly, it’s not about adenosine. I am a biologist, but adenosine is not research speciality. However, it does symbolise a key tenant of biology – that nature will co-opt any system, pathway or chemical entity it can to serve it’s multitudinous and nefarious purposes. The biochemical systems in which adenosine, or chemicals based on it, are used is truly awe inspiring. To wit:
Information storage (the A in the ATGC of DNA)
Information transfer (the A in the AUGC of mRNA)
Control of transcription (in miRNA)
Translation (in both ribosomes and tRNA)
Catalysis (ribozymes)
Intracellular signalling (cAMP)
Cell-cell communication (extracellular adenosine and adenosine receptors)
Cellular energy (ATP, ADP)
Pretty impressive. If you know of any more, please let me know.
And why the z? Firstly, adenosine was already taken, and secondly. I’m aiming for a small circulation, but highly stylish vibe, so the ‘zine tag seemed to fit.
Enjoy.
