Back
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

phosphate

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Phosphate is an ion with the chemical formula PO43-. It is a component of many important molecules in living things, including DNA, RNA, and ATP. Phosphate is also found in rocks, soil, and water.

Phosphate is an essential nutrient for plants and animals. It is needed for growth, development, and energy production. Phosphate is also important for the immune system.

Too much phosphate in the environment can be harmful. When phosphates enter waterways, they can cause algae blooms. Algae blooms can block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, which can lead to the death of these plants. This can cause a loss of biodiversity and can also lead to fish kills.

Phosphate pollution can also come from agricultural runoff. When farmers use fertilisers, some of the phosphates in the fertilisers can run off into waterways. This can lead to algae blooms and other problems.

It is important to manage phosphate levels in the environment. This can be done by using fertilisers wisely and by preventing runoff from agricultural fields.

How can the word be used?

The fertiliser contains phosphates to help plants grow.

phosphate

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • phosphate (an anion, salt, functional group or ester derived from a phosphoric acid).
  • phosphite (a salt of phosphorous acid).
  • phosphide (a compound of phosphorus with another element, typically a metal).

Adjective:

  • phosphatic (of or relating to phosphate).

Etymology

The word "phosphate" comes from the Greek word "phosphoros", which means "light-bearer". The word "phosphoros" is derived from the words "phos" (light) and "phoros" (bearer).

The word "phosphate" was first used in English in the 17th century. It was used to refer to a salt of phosphoric acid.

Phosphates are found in many different places in nature, including rocks, minerals, plants, and animals. They are also used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, such as fertilizers, detergents, and food additives.

Question

What is phosphate used for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the significance of phosphate in biological systems. Discuss its role in energy storage and transfer, as well as its importance in DNA and RNA molecules. Provide examples of processes where phosphate plays a crucial role.

Answer:

Phosphate holds immense importance in biological systems due to its versatile roles. One significant function is energy storage and transfer. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule found in cells, stores and releases energy through the addition or removal of phosphate groups. This energy transfer powers various cellular processes, including muscle contractions and active transport across cell membranes.

Phosphate is also a key component of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Phosphate forms the backbone of these molecules, linking the nucleotide subunits together. Phosphate groups create a negatively charged structure that helps maintain the structural integrity of DNA and RNA, as well as contribute to genetic information storage and transmission.

In processes like cellular respiration, the phosphate group transfers energy from organic molecules to ATP, fueling cellular activities. Similarly, during protein synthesis, transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carry amino acids to ribosomes using phosphate-containing bonds.