TRIPHOSPHATE Meaning and
Definition
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Triphosphate is a chemical compound consisting of three phosphate groups linked together. In organic chemistry, it is commonly found in nucleoside triphosphates, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), guanosine triphosphate (GTP), and cytidine triphosphate (CTP), which serve as energy carriers in living organisms. Triphosphate molecules play a vital role in various biochemical processes, acting as an energy source for cellular activities.
The presence of three phosphate groups in a triphosphate molecule allows for the release of large amounts of energy upon hydrolysis of the bonds between the phosphates. This energy is harnessed and utilized by cells to fuel metabolic reactions and perform mechanical work. For instance, ATP is often referred to as the "universal energy currency" in living systems, serving as an immediate source of energy for cellular processes such as muscle contraction, active ion transport, and enzyme catalysis.
Triphosphate molecules exhibit high chemical reactivity due to the presence of negatively charged phosphate groups. They have a strong tendency to interact with metal ions, forming stable complexes that are involved in a wide range of enzymatic reactions. Triphosphate also participates in DNA and RNA synthesis, acting as a precursor for the polymerization of nucleotides to form the genetic material.
In summary, triphosphate refers to a chemical compound containing three phosphate groups that serves as a critical energy carrier and molecular building block in biological systems.
Common Misspellings for TRIPHOSPHATE
Etymology of TRIPHOSPHATE
The word "triphosphate" is a combination of two parts: "tri-" and "phosphate".
The prefix "tri-" is derived from the Greek word "tris", meaning three. It is commonly used in scientific and technical terms to indicate the number three.
The second part, "phosphate", comes from the Greek word "phosphoros", which means "light-bringing". It refers to phosphorus, an element that was once believed to emit light when exposed to air. The word "phosphate" is used to describe compounds containing phosphorus.
Therefore, "triphosphate" is a compound word that combines "tri-" meaning three and "phosphate" describing a compound containing phosphorus. It refers to a molecule that consists of three phosphate groups bonded together, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule involved in energy transfer within cells.
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