In: Biology
The common functional group found in nucleotides, DNA and RNA is the phosphate group. It is referred to as a functional group because it is a group of atoms in DNA or RNA molecules responsible for a characteristic function. Phosphate group is a molecule where a phosphorus atom is surrounded by four oxygen atom joined to a carbon molecule.
Phosphate groups binds with bases and sugars forming nucleic acids. The Phosphate groups are joined to form phosphodiester bonds. The phosphate group of DNA, RNA and nucleotides is negatively charged and has the tendency to donate protons thereby imparting acidic nature. Phosphate is acidic at cellular ph or ph found inside the cell. In terms of nucleotides, the acidic nature of nucleotides Is due to presence of phosphate functional group which disassociates or breaks at ph found inside the cells, which frees the hydrogen atoms and makes the molecule negatively charged.