Biology Element Project: Phosphorus Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the atomic symbol, atomic number, and atomic mass of phosphorus?

Atomic symbol: P, Atomic number: 15, Atomic mass: 30

What is phosphorus used for in living things?

Phosphorus is an important component of DNA and RNA structure and is a component of bones and teeth (as calcium phosphate).

What percent of the human body does phosphorus make up?

1.2%

What percent of the earth does phosphorus make up?

0.12% Signup and view all the answers

What is phosphorus used for outside of the body?

Phosphorus is a vital plant nutrient, used in fertilizers, safety matches, pyrotechnics, and incendiary shells. Signup and view all the answers

What is phosphorus' general structure and natural appearance?

Phosphorus is classified as a non-metal and appears as a solid that is silvery white or red. Signup and view all the answers

What biological processes is phosphorus involved in?

Phosphorus is involved in the phosphorus cycle, which details its movement through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Does phosphorus form part of a larger biological molecule? Which one?

Yes, phosphorus forms part of biological molecules such as ATP, ADP, and DNA. Signup and view all the answers

How can you relate the larger molecule phosphorus can form to a process in biology?

Phosphorus is categorized under nucleic acids and is part of the phosphate groups in DNA. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Phosphorus Overview

Atomic symbol is P, atomic number is 15, and atomic mass is 30.
Makes up approximately 1.2% of the human body.

Role in Living Organisms

Essential component of DNA and RNA structures.
Integral to the formation of bones and teeth as calcium phosphate.

Earth Composition

Comprises 0.12% of the Earth's crust.
Ranked as the 11th most abundant element on Earth.

Applications Beyond Biology

Serves as a crucial nutrient for plants; primarily found in phosphate compounds for fertilizer production.
Utilized in manufacturing safety matches, pyrotechnics, and incendiary shells.

Physical Properties

Classified as a non-metal with a solid state at room temperature.
Appears silvery-white or red, depending on its bonding form.

Biological Processes

Involved in the phosphorus cycle, which describes its movement through lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
Unlike other cycles, the atmosphere has minimal involvement in the phosphorus cycle.

Biological Molecule Composition

Found in larger biological molecules such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), ADP (adenosine diphosphate), and DNA.

Relation to Biological Processes

Categorized as a nucleic acid; phosphate groups form the backbone of the DNA structure.
Phosphate groups consist of one phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, crucial in nucleotide structure and DNA integrity.

Description

Test your knowledge about phosphorus with these flashcards! Learn about its atomic properties and its vital role in living organisms. This quiz covers key facts about phosphorus, including its significance in DNA, RNA, and human physiology.