Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Phosphates are chemical compounds made up of phosphorus atoms bonded to oxygen atoms. In DNA, phosphates are part of the backbone structure along with sugars.
Related terms
Backbone: In DNA, the backbone refers to alternating sugar-phosphate units that make up each strand. It provides structural support and stability for maintaining the integrity of the double helix.
Phosphodiester Bond: These bonds link adjacent nucleotides in the DNA backbone. They form between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the sugar molecule of the next nucleotide.
Phosphates are an essential component of nucleic acids, which are biological macromolecules that include DNA and RNA. Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information.