Final answer:
The phosphate group, with phosphorus attached to four oxygen atoms and a net negative charge, is crucial in biology and participates in various chemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functional group or radical that consists of phosphorus attached to four oxygen atoms and carries a net negative charge is known as the phosphate group. This group is important in many biological molecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids.
The phosphate functional group is typically represented as PO43-, where the phosphorus atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms, one of which carries a negative charge, resulting in a net charge of -3 on the phosphate group. This group contributes to the molecule's negative charge, making it hydrophilic and allowing it to participate in a variety of chemical reactions.