What is the term for a molecule that has a phosphate group covalently bound to it, making it more reactive?

The term “phosphorylated intermediate” refers to a molecule that has a phosphate group covalently attached to it. This modification often increases the reactivity of the molecule in biochemical reactions. The addition of a phosphate group can change the molecule's structure and energy state, making it more likely to participate in subsequent reactions, especially in metabolic pathways.

Phosphorylation is a common regulatory mechanism in cellular metabolism, as it can affect enzyme activity, alter the stability of proteins, and influence signal transduction. The energy provided by the phosphate group can also facilitate reactions that would otherwise be energetically unfavorable.

In contrast, metabolites are intermediates in metabolic pathways but are not specifically defined by the presence of phosphate groups. Substrates, on the other hand, are reactants that are involved in enzymatic reactions without the requirement of being phosphorylated. Decarboxylated compounds refer to organic molecules that have lost a carboxyl group, which does not relate to phosphate groups or increased reactivity in the same context. Therefore, the correct term for a molecule with a covalently bound phosphate group is indeed "phosphorylated intermediate."