futile cycle


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fu·tile cy·cle

a cycle of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation catalyzed by two enzymes that normally function in two different metabolic pathways; the net effect is the hydrolysis of ATP and the generation of heat, for example, the futile cycle from the unregulated action of 6-phosphofructokinase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in muscle; such cycles may have an important role in heat production, in the fine-tuning of the regulation of certain pathways, and may be a factor in malignant hyperthermia.
Synonym(s): substrate cycle
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References in periodicals archive ?
Ultimately, only sustained diplomacy and a change of mindset from the leaders on both sides, will end this futile cycle of violence.
Only sustained diplomacy will stop this futile bloodshed
The new findings hinge on a biochemical mechanism known as a futile cycle, in which cellular reactions are sped up, thereby generating more energy.
Protein that can help battle obesity by speeding up metabolism identified
A classic example of a futile cycle would involve the reactions of fructose-6-phosphate in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.
The liquid metallic hydrogen model of the sun and the solar atmosphere VIII. 'Futile' processes in the chromosphere
Sooner or later, Lebanon's rival rhetoricians need to break the futile cycle of questioning one another's honesty.
Demanding prior proof of goodwill can only keep Lebanon mired in crisis
His hobbies include French cooking and his favorite cereal is Futile Cycle Loops[R].
Mechanism, mechanism, on the wall, will you keep our sales tall? Looking for the next best alternative to ephedra may not be a long term solution to the industry's weight loss woes. (Proprietary Perspectives)
Montville has found that "this creates a futile cycle, because eventually the cell has no more ATP to maintain its other activities--and dies.
Staging germ warfare in foods: science harnesses bacteria to fend off food poisoning and spoilage
In these long-lived worms however, there's activation of a seemingly futile cycle of breaking down fat and re-synthesizing it.
Worms that recycle their own fat tend to live longer
Both Spyware Interceptor for smaller networks and ProxySG for larger networks allow IT administrators to minimize futile cycles using ineffective spyware cleaners.
Blue Coat Introduces Spyware Interceptor - First and Only Proxy-Based Anti-Spyware Appliance for 1,000 Users or Less; Proxy Technology Prevents Known and Unknown Spyware at the Gateway; SCOPE Engine Utilizes 10 Methods of Spyware Prevention with Automatic Updates

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