Phosphates

Phosphates (represented in-game using the symbol ) are a type of compound found in the environment during the Microbe Stage. Along with Ammonia, Phosphates are an essential resource for synthesizing DNA, enabling the player's cell to reproduce and allowing the player to access the Microbe Editor.

Scientific Background

Structure of orthophosphate, the simplest form of phosphate

Phosphates are a class of chemical compound containing a phosphate group (one phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, represented by the chemical formula PO₄), which may have between zero and three hydrogen atoms individually bound to the oxygens. Phosphates are an essential component of many biological molecules, including ATP, DNA and RNA, and also contribute to the structural material of animal bones and teeth as part of calcium phosphate.