Phosphorus

Definition

An essential element in the human body. It is part of the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes, is a structural component of bones and teeth and is important for growth and repair. Phosphorus functions also include production of cellular energy (adenosine triphosphate – ATP), buffering the pH of blood, regulation of gene transcription, activation of catalytic activity of enzymes and is involved in signal transduction of several key regulatory pathways.