foszátcsoport

The term "foszátcsoport" translates to "phosphate group" in English and refers to the functional group PO4^3-. This group is derived from phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and plays a crucial role in many biological and chemical processes. In organic chemistry, it is often seen as a phosphomonoester, phosphodiester, or phosphotriester.

A key characteristic of the phosphate group is its high energy content. The phosphoanhydride bonds within inorganic polyphosphates, such as pyrophosphate (PPi) and triphosphate (ATPy), are readily hydrolyzed, releasing a significant amount of free energy. This energy is harnessed by living organisms to drive various cellular activities.

In biological systems, the phosphate group is a fundamental component of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, forming the sugar-phosphate backbone. It is also essential for energy transfer through adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells. Phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, is a critical regulatory mechanism in proteins and other biomolecules, affecting their activity, localization, and interactions. Furthermore, phosphate groups are vital for cell membrane structure in the form of phospholipids and are involved in bone and tooth mineralization as hydroxyapatite.