Phosphorus
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Questions and Answers

Name two essential roles of phosphorus in living organisms.

Building block of nucleic acids like DNA and phospholipids for cell membranes.

Where is phosphorus primarily found in the natural world?

Phosphorus is primarily found in sedimentary rocks.

How do phosphate compounds enter surface water and soils?

Phosphate compounds leach into surface water and soils as sedimentary rocks weather and wear down over time.

What are the two significant sources of phosphate compounds?

<p>Volcanic ash and fertilizer are significant sources of phosphate compounds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the harmful consequence of eutrophication?

<p>Excessive growth of algae or microbes due to an influx of phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems, leading to depletion of oxygen levels and death of aquatic organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Essential Roles of Phosphorus

  • Crucial for the formation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), which are key to genetic information and reproduction in living organisms.
  • Vital component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells, enabling energy transfer and storage.

Natural Abundance of Phosphorus

  • Primarily found in minerals and rocks, where it occurs as phosphate ions (PO4^3-).
  • Present in the environment as part of biological molecules, fertilizers, and detergents.

Entry of Phosphate Compounds

  • Phosphate compounds enter surface water and soils through weathering of rocks and minerals.
  • Runoff from agricultural fields, urban areas, and wastewater discharge also contributes significantly to phosphate levels in ecosystems.

Major Sources of Phosphate Compounds

  • Fertilizers used in agriculture, which often contain high concentrations of phosphates to promote plant growth.
  • Animal waste and sewage that introduce phosphates into water systems through decomposition and runoff.

Consequences of Eutrophication

  • Eutrophication leads to excessive nutrient enrichment in water bodies, resulting in algal blooms.
  • Harmful algal blooms can deplete oxygen levels, cause dead zones, and disrupt aquatic ecosystems, leading to the decline of fish populations and other aquatic life.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the essential nutrient phosphorus and its role in living organisms, including its involvement in DNA, cell membranes, and plant growth. Explore the phosphorus cycle in the natural world and learn about phosphates, the common form of phosphorus.

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