The phosphate functional group

The phosphate functional group It is derived from phosphoric acid (H PO ), has three active OH - groups of which two are involved in strand formation. The phosphate functional group (PO ) gives DNA and RNA the property of an acid (a substance that releases an H + ion or proton in solution) at physiological pH, hence the name nucleic acid . The bonds that are formed from phosphates are esters. The oxygen atom of the phosphate group is negatively charged after the formation of the phosphodiester bonds. This negatively charged phosphate ensures the retention of nucleic acid within the cell or nuclear membrane.