What is the purpose of adding adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in the Oliver-Rosalki method?

The purpose of adding adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in the Oliver-Rosalki method is to inhibit adenylate kinase. This inhibition is crucial because adenylate kinase catalyzes the interconversion of adenine nucleotides, specifically converting AMP to ADP and vice versa. By inhibiting this enzyme, the assay can better measure the levels of relevant adenine nucleotides without interference from the conversion process, thereby providing a more accurate evaluation of the substrate levels that are being studied. This precise control is vital in the context of the method, which is often used to assess adenine nucleotide concentrations, helping to ensure reliable enzymatic activity measurements.