The organic chemistry of phosphate transfer

Studies in simple systems have identified the reaction mechanisms likely to be involved in biological phosphate transfer and provide the background for understanding the reaction in vivo. Metabolic pathways start from inorganic phosphate, but the introduction of organophosphorus compounds allows us to by-pass early steps and modify specific enzyme-catalyzed reactions. In some cases, as with the nerve poisons, the effects are not specific to enzymes catalyzing reactions of organophosphorus compounds. But the success of any rational chemical intervention depends on both our understanding of the biochemical reaction and the current state of synthetic organophosphorus chemistry. The chemistry of the phosphate transfer process in cases where chemical intervention in metabolic processes has been successful is summarized, and some less familiar types of organophosphorus compound are discussed in the light of the apparent requirements for successful intervention.