Yes, messenger RNA (mRNA) has a phosphate group. The backbone of mRNA is made up of alternating sugar and phosphate groups, forming a phosphodiester linkage. Each sugar molecule (ribose in the case of mRNA) is linked to a phosphate group, and these sugar-phosphate units are then linked together to form the mRNA chain. The phosphate groups in mRNA carry a negative charge, which contributes to the overall negative charge of the mRNA molecule. This negative charge is important for the stability and function of mRNA, as it helps to protect it from degradation and allows it to interact with other molecules in the cell.