ORTHOPHOSPHATE Meaning and
Definition
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Orthophosphate refers to an inorganic compound that consists of phosphate ions- PO43-. It is commonly derived from phosphoric acid, which has three hydrogen ions replaced by metal ions or other cations. Orthophosphates play a vital role in various biochemical processes and are essential for the growth and development of plants, animals, and humans.
In terms of its physical properties, orthophosphate appears as a white, odorless, and crystalline solid. It is practically insoluble in water, but it can dissolve to a limited extent, forming orthophosphate ions that contribute to the overall phosphate concentration in aqueous solutions.
Orthophosphate ions have multiple functions in biological systems. They are crucial constituents of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, playing a fundamental role in genetic coding and cellular replication. Orthophosphates are also integral components of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency in cells, and phospholipids, which are essential components of cell membranes.
In agriculture, orthophosphates are used as fertilizers to supplement phosphorus deficiency in soil and promote healthy plant growth. In water treatment, orthophosphates are added to prevent the corrosion of plumbing systems and to inhibit the formation of harmful scale deposits. Furthermore, orthophosphates are employed in various industrial processes, including metal surface treatment, detergents, and production of ceramics and glass.
In summary, orthophosphate is an inorganic compound consisting of phosphate ions that have important roles in biological processes, agriculture, water treatment, and various industries.
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A salt of phosphoric acid.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ORTHOPHOSPHATE
- irthophosphate
- krthophosphate
- lrthophosphate
- prthophosphate
- 0rthophosphate
- 9rthophosphate
- oethophosphate
- odthophosphate
- ofthophosphate
- otthophosphate
- o5thophosphate
- o4thophosphate
- orrhophosphate
- orfhophosphate
- orghophosphate
- oryhophosphate
- or6hophosphate
- or5hophosphate
- ortgophosphate
- orthoiphosphate
- orthphosphate
Etymology of ORTHOPHOSPHATE
The word "orthophosphate" is derived from the combination of two terms: "ortho-" and "phosphate".
The prefix "ortho-" comes from the Greek word "orthos", meaning "straight" or "correct". In scientific and technical contexts, "ortho-" is often used to indicate the normal, unmodified, or basic form of a compound, in contrast to its isomers or other variations.
The term "phosphate" is derived from the Greek word "phosphoros", which means "bringing light" or "light-bearing". It refers to the phosphorus element (P) present in this compound, which has a high affinity for capturing and emitting light energy.
Therefore, the word "orthophosphate" suggests the basic or unmodified form of a phosphate compound, where the phosphorus is in the most stable and energetically favorable arrangement.
Similar spelling words for ORTHOPHOSPHATE
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