Chapter 4, Problem 45TQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

The reason behind arsenate not substituting phosphate in biomolecules, although both the elements are very similar to each other in many ways (also to consider atomic characteristics of element arsenic).

Introduction:

Arsenic is an atom with an atomic number of 33. The atomic mass for this atom is 74.9216 grams per mole. It forms arsenates with an oxygen atom, as AsO₄^3-. Phosphorus is an atom with an atomic number of 15 and an atomic mass of 30.9738 grams per mole. Just like arsenic, phosphorus forms phosphate PO₄^3- .