Tetraphosphate: meaning, definitions and examples
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tetraphosphate
[ ˌtɛtrəˈfɑːsfeɪt ]
chemical compound
Tetraphosphate refers to a chemical compound containing four phosphate groups. These compounds are often involved in various biochemical and industrial processes, including energy transfer and cellular metabolism.
Synonyms
P4O12, tetraphosphate ion.
Examples of usage
- Tetraphosphate plays a crucial role in energy storage.
- Researchers are studying the effects of tetraphosphate on cellular reactions.
- The tetraphosphate structure is significant in certain types of enzymes.
Etymology
The term 'tetraphosphate' is derived from the prefix 'tetra-', which comes from the Greek word for 'four', indicating the presence of four phosphate groups within the compound. Phosphates themselves are esters of phosphoric acid, and their study dates back to the early explorations of mineral composition and biological functions. The understanding of phosphate compounds became particularly important in the 19th century as chemistry evolved, leading to the recognition of their roles in biological systems. Tetraphosphate was specifically recognized as scientists began to unravel the complexities of nucleotides and their derivatives, which are integral to DNA, RNA, and energy molecules like ATP. As biochemical research progressed through the 20th century, the utility and significance of tetraphosphate compounds were further established, especially in fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, and environmental sciences.