orthophosphate
Definition
Noun: 1. A salt of phosphoric acid: A chemical compound containing the phosphate ion (PO₄³⁻), which is the most common and stable form of phosphate in biological and environmental systems. Orthophosphates are essential for life as a key component of DNA, RNA, ATP, and bone mineral.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Fertilizers often contain soluble orthophosphates to promote plant growth.
- The laboratory test measured the concentration of orthophosphate in the water sample.
- Calcium orthophosphate is a major constituent of bones and teeth.
Advanced Usage
- In Environmental Science: The term "orthophosphate" is specifically used to distinguish the reactive, soluble form of phosphate (often measured as "soluble reactive phosphorus" or SRP) from larger, more complex phosphate molecules like polyphosphates or organic phosphates. High levels of orthophosphate in water bodies can lead to eutrophication.
- The environmental agency monitors orthophosphate levels to assess the risk of algal blooms.
Variants and Related Words
- Phosphate (n): A broader term that can refer to any salt or ester of phosphoric acid, including orthophosphates. In many contexts, "phosphate" is used interchangeably with "orthophosphate."
- The terms "available phosphorus" and "orthophosphate" are often synonymous in agronomy.
- Inorganic Phosphate (Pi) (n): A common synonym in biochemistry and biology for the orthophosphate ion (H₂PO₄⁻ or HPO₄²⁻ at physiological pH).
- ATP hydrolysis releases energy and inorganic phosphate.
Synonyms
- Inorganic phosphate
- Reactive phosphate
- Pi (biochemical abbreviation)
Related Phrases / Compounds
- Orthophosphate ion: Refers specifically to the PO₄³⁻ anion.
- Soluble orthophosphate: The form readily available for uptake by plants or algae.
Noun
-
a salt of phosphoric acid
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