I have read several papers have expanded PIP2 as one of three things:
1. Phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-disphosphate
2. Phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate
3. Phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-diphosphate
What is the difference between a disphosphate, bisphosphate, and diphosphate? Which term would be the most correct (or can they be used interchangeably)?
The correct chemical name for PIP2 is phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. It is a minor phospholipid component of cell membranes. PIP2 is a substrate for a number of important signaling proteins. It also forms lipid clusters that sort proteins.
The terms "disphosphate", "bisphosphate", and "diphosphate" are all used to describe a molecule that contains two phosphate groups. However, there is a slight difference in their usage.
"Disphosphate" is the least common term and is typically used in older literature.
"Bisphosphate" is the most common term and is used to describe any molecule that contains two phosphate groups, regardless of their arrangement.
"Diphosphate" is used to describe a molecule that contains two phosphate groups that are linked together by an oxygen atom.
In general, the terms "bisphosphate" and "diphosphate" can be used interchangeably. However, it is important to be aware of the slight difference in their meaning when reading older literature.
In the case of PIP2, the correct term is "bisphosphate" because the two phosphate groups are not linked together by an oxygen atom.
- Badges
- Science topic