Phosphorus biochemistry

Abstract

The biochemistry of phosphorus is outlined. As this element appears to have no redox reactions in biological systems phosphorus is always handled as phosphate and, as all phosphate compounds are thermodynamically unstable in water, phosphate uptake and incorporation are associated with energy consumption. The subsequent use of phosphate in metabolism and synthesis is illustrated by metabolic pathways and DNA (RNA) polymerizations, respectively. The importance and unique chemical significance of phosphorus in biology cannot be overestimated.