Phosphorus Cycle Definition
The phosphorus cycle is the process by which phosphorus moves through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Phosphorus is essential for plant and animal growth, as well as the health of microbes inhabiting the soil, but is gradually depleted from the soil over time. The main biological function of phosphorus is that it is required for the formation of nucleotides, which comprise DNA and RNA molecules. Specifically, the DNA double helix is linked by a phosphate ester bond. Calcium phosphate is also the primary component of mammalian bones and teeth, insect exoskeletons, phospholipid membranes of cells, and is used in a variety of other biological functions. The phosphorus cycle is an extremely slow process, as various weather conditions (e.g., rain and erosion) help to wash the phosphorus found in rocks into the soil. In the soil, the organic matter (e.g., plants and fungi) absorb the phosphorus to be used for various biological processes.
The role of phosphorus in animals and plants
Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 14pt;”>Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for animals and plants. It plays a critical role in cell development and is a key component of molecules that store energy, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), DNA and lipids(fats and oils). Insufficient phosphorus in the soil can result in a decreased crop yield.
The phosphorus cycle
Phosphorus moves in a cycle through rocks, water, soil and sediments and organisms.
Here are the key steps of the phosphorus cycle
- Over time, rain and weathering cause rocks to release phosphate ions and other minerals. This inorganic phosphate is then distributed in soils and water.
- Plants take up inorganic phosphate from the soil. The plants may then be consumed by animals. Once in the plant or animal, the phosphate is incorporated into organic molecules such as DNA. When the plant or animal dies, it decays, and the organic phosphate is returned to the soil.
- Within the soil, organic forms of phosphate can be made available to plants by bacteria that break down organic matter to inorganic forms of phosphorus. This process is known as mineralisation.
- Phosphorus in soil can end up in waterways and eventually oceans. Once there, it can be incorporated into sediments over time.
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