Elements · ← Si Silicon · S Sulfur →
Phosphates link the building blocks of DNA and RNA and carry energy in cells.
| Symbol | P |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 15 |
| Standard atomic weight | 30.97376200 |
| Group | 15 |
| Period | 3 |
| Block | p-block |
| Category | Nonmetal |
| Standard state | Solid |
| Discovered | 1669 |
Source: PubChem, Phosphorus (periodic table data, retrieved 2026-10-19). Group and period follow the standard 18-column periodic table.
Westheimer explained why phosphates dominate living chemistry: phosphoric acid can link two nucleotides and still carry a negative charge, which protects nucleic acids from breaking down and keeps molecules inside lipid membranes.
As reported in: Westheimer (1987). Why Nature Chose Phosphates. Science. doi:10.1126/science.2434996
Abstract only
Found by name, common compounds and chemical formulas in each entry.
Search Google Patents for phosphorus in biological and medical uses: all patents · recent applications (2022+)
A patent is a legal claim, not proof that something works. See the Patents page.