phosphate groups

A phosphate group is a specific molecule made of one phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. It is a key component in many biological molecules, especially DNA, RNA, and energy currency molecules like ATP. Phosphate groups help store and transfer energy, and they form the backbone of genetic material. In chemical structures, they often carry a negative charge, which influences how molecules interact and connect in living organisms. Their ability to form stable bonds makes them essential for building and maintaining the structure and energy flow of cells.