Define functions of Organic Phosphorus?
It is involved in the following reactions/components:
a) Structural component of nucleic acids: It is important component of DNA and RNA.
b) Components of cell membrane: Phospholipids with their polar and non polar regions are important for the bilayer structure of cell membranes.
c) Component of coenzymes like NADP, TPP, PLP, coenzyme A, FAD, NAD.
d) Phosphorus is of vital importance in intermediary metabolism of the energy nutrients contributing to temporary storage and transfer of energy in the form of ATP.
e) Many enzymatic activities are controlled by alternating phosphoiylation or dephosphorylation.
Thus, it is required in regulating metabolism. For all these functions, it is important to maintain normal level of inorganic phosphate in plasma. However, plasma levels of phosphate are not so closely controlled as those of calcium.