The picture shows a close up of the view "Phosphate group location". Phosphates are shown as a yellow phosphorous atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms. Phosphates alternate with deoxyribose sugars to form the DNA backbone. This view emphasizes the location of the phosphates on the outside of the DNA helix.

The electronegative oxygen atoms of the phosphate groups have a negative charge, and are in position to interact with cations in the cell that help stabilize DNA through ionic interactions.