12.3A: Phosphorus Functions

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Phosphorus has a number of functions in the body¹. Phosphate is a component of hydroxyapatite in bones and teeth, as described earlier. Non-bone functions include:

Phosphorylation

Phosphates are used to activate and deactivate a number of proteins. In addition, compounds are also frequently phosphorylated, like the monosaccharides shown below.

Figure 12.311 .png

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Uptake of monosaccharides into the hepatocyte

Phospholipids

Phosphates are a component of phospholipids, as shown below.

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Structure of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin)2

DNA/RNA

DNA/RNA have a phosphate backbone as shown below.

Figure 12.313 .png

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Structure of DNA3

ATP

The major energy currency, ATP, stores energy in its phosphate bonds.

Figure 12.314 .png

Figure \(\PageIndex{14}\): Structure of ATP⁴

Secondary Messengers

The intracellular secondary messengers' cyclic AMP (cAMP) and inositol triphosphate (IP₃) both contain phosphate. The action of these secondary messengers can be seen in the links below. Other functions of phosphate include:

Acid/Base Balance
Intracellular Anion

References & Links

Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. (2008) Advanced nutrition and human metabolism. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.
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