PO4: meaning, definitions and examples

⚗️

Add to dictionary

PO4

[ piː oʊ fɔːr ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

chemical compound

PO4, or phosphate, is a chemical compound that consists of one phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. It plays a critical role in biological systems, particularly in energy transfer and metabolism, as it is a component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Phosphate is also significant in agriculture as a fertilizer ingredient to enhance plant growth.

Synonyms

phosphate, phosphoric acid, tetraphosphate.

Examples of usage

The soil lacked sufficient PO4 for optimal crop growth.
In biochemistry, PO4 is vital for cellular energy production.
Excessive PO4 runoff can lead to water pollution.
Many foods contain natural PO4, essential for nutrition.

Translations

Translations of the word "PO4" in other languages:

🇵🇹 PO4

🇮🇳 PO4

🇩🇪 PO4

🇮🇩 PO4

🇺🇦 PO4

🇵🇱 PO4

🇯🇵 PO4

🇫🇷 PO4

🇪🇸 PO4

🇹🇷 PO4

🇰🇷 PO4

🇸🇦 PO4

🇨🇿 PO4

🇸🇰 PO4

🇨🇳 PO4

🇸🇮 PO4

🇮🇸 PO4

🇰🇿 PO4

🇬🇪 PO4

🇦🇿 PO4

🇲🇽 PO4

Etymology

The term 'phosphate' originates from the Greek word 'phosphoros,' which means 'light-bringer,' referring to phosphorus discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brandt. The term became prevalent in the 18th century, primarily linked with the discovery of phosphoric, phosphoric acid, and phosphate minerals. In the 19th century, phosphate's importance grew with its utilization in fertilizers and detergents. With the advent of modern chemistry, the understanding of phosphate’s role in biological systems, such as DNA and RNA synthesis, expanded. Today, phosphates are recognized as essential nutrients for plants and are integral to sustainable agriculture.