Chapter 13, Problem 6Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The fractional composition of the phosphate ions present inside the mitochondria where the $\text{pH is }\sim 8$ has to be described.

Concept Introduction:

The nucleotide of a DNA is made up of three basic components such as nitrogen-containing base unit, 5-carbon sugar unit and a phosphate unit. The phosphate unit can have the following forms:

• • ${\text{PO}}_4^{3-}$-phosphate ion
• • $\text{HPO}{\text{4}\text{2-}}_{}^{}$-Monohydrogen phosphate ion
• • ${\text{H}}_2\text{PO}{\text{4}\text{-}}_{}^{}$-Dihydrogen phosphate ion.
• • ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$-Phosphoric acid.

These forms varies with respect to the $\text{pH}$. The whole nucleic acid will be acidic when the phosphate unit holds more hydrogen atoms such as in the form of ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$ and it will be basic when the phosphate unit holds no hydrogen atoms such as in the form of ${\text{PO}}_4^{3-}$.