What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phosphorylate
Example
The kinase enzyme phosphorylates the target protein. [phosphorylates: verb]
Example
The addition of a phosphate group can phosphorylate the molecule. [phosphorylate: infinitive]
phosphorylation
Example
Phosphorylation of the enzyme alters its activity. [phosphorylation: noun]
Example
The signaling pathway involves multiple steps of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. [phosphorylation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Phosphorylation is more commonly used than phosphorylate in scientific literature and academic contexts. Phosphorylate is more commonly used in the context of describing specific enzymatic reactions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phosphorylate and phosphorylation?
Both phosphorylate and phosphorylation are technical terms used in scientific contexts, and are therefore considered formal language.
