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Phosphorylation

Phosphorylation

The addition or removal of phosphate groups from proteins is the most common chemical modification that regulates cellular processes. These modifications can affect the structure, activity, stability, and localization of proteins within cells as well as their interactions with other proteins.
During phosphorylation, protein kinases transfer the terminal phosphate group of ATP to specific amino acid side chains of substrate proteins. Serine, threonine, and tyrosine are the most commonly...

Phosphorylation

Phosphorylation

Phosphodiester Linkages

Phosphodiester Linkages

Overview
Phosphodiester bond forms when a phosphoric acid molecule (H3PO4) links with two hydroxyl groups (–OH) of two other molecules, forming two ester bonds. Two water molecules are released in this process. The phosphodiester bond is commonly found in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and plays a critical role in their structure and function.
Phosphodiester Bonds Link Nucleotides Together
DNA and RNA are polynucleotides or long chains of nucleotides that are linked together. A nucleotide is...

Protein Kinases and Phosphatases

Protein Kinases and Phosphatases

Proteins undergo chemical modifications that trigger changes in the charge, structure, and conformation of the proteins. Phosphorylation, acetylation, glycosylation, nitrosylation, ubiquitination, lipidation, methylation, and proteolysis are various protein modifications that regulate protein activity. Such modifications are usually enzyme-driven.
Protein kinases
Many proteins in the cell are regulated by phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group. A family of enzymes called kinases...

Protein Kinases and Phosphatases

Protein Kinases and Phosphatases

The Phosphorus Cycle

The Phosphorus Cycle

Unlike carbon, water, and nitrogen, phosphorus is not present in the atmosphere as a gas. Instead, most phosphorus in the ecosystem exists as compounds, such as phosphate ions (PO43-), found in soil, water, sediment and rocks. Phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient (i.e., in short supply). Consequently, phosphorus is added to most agricultural fertilizers, which can cause environmental problems related to runoff in aquatic ecosystems.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Optimized Procedure for Determining the Adsorption of Phosphonates onto Granular Ferric Hydroxide using a Miniaturized Phosphorus Determination Method

Optimized Procedure for Determining the Adsorption of Phosphonates onto Granular Ferric Hydroxide using a Miniaturized Phosphorus Determination Method

Published on: May 18, 2018

Phosphonate Biochemistry.

Geoff P Horsman¹, David L Zechel²

¹Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wilfrid Laurier University , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5, Canada.

Chemical Reviews

|October 28, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Organophosphonic acids are stable, versatile natural products used by organisms as bioactive metabolites. This review details their occurrence, function, and the unique enzymes involved in their synthesis and breakdown.

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Optimized Procedure for Determining the Adsorption of Phosphonates onto Granular Ferric Hydroxide using a Miniaturized Phosphorus Determination Method

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Chemical Triphosphorylation of Oligonucleotides

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Published on: June 2, 2022

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Natural Product Chemistry
Enzymology

Background:

Organophosphonic acids are stable natural products due to their resistant C-P bond.
The phosphonyl group mimics key biological molecules, leading to diverse functions.
These compounds are vital secondary metabolites in various organisms, with applications in medicine and agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

To comprehensively review organophosphonic acids as natural products.
To summarize their occurrence, biological functions, and significance.
To elucidate the mechanisms of enzymes involved in their synthesis and catabolism.

Main Methods:

Literature review of organophosphonic acid natural products.
Analysis of enzymatic pathways for C-P bond formation and cleavage.
Summary of known biochemical mechanisms and evolutionary adaptations.

Main Results:

Organophosphonic acids are widespread and functionally diverse bioactive secondary metabolites.
Enzymatic synthesis involves both established and novel chemical reactions.
Microorganisms have evolved unique enzymes to cleave the C-P bond for phosphate acquisition.

Conclusions:

Organophosphonic acids represent a significant class of natural products with broad biological roles.
The study of their biosynthesis and catabolism reveals fascinating enzymatic diversity.
Understanding these molecules and their enzymes has implications for human health and agriculture.