phosphorus cycle Flashcards
1
Q
what is phosphorus used for in an organism ?
A
- needs to make biological molecules
2
Q
what kind of biological molecules is phosphorus needed in ?
A
- DNA / RNA
- ATP
- phospholipids in the phospholipid bilayer
3
Q
how is the phosphorus cycle different to the nitrogen and carbon cycle ?
A
- phosphorus is not found as a gas
- therefore it is not in the atmosphere
4
Q
how does phosphorus exist as ?
A
- phosphate ions
- found in its mineral form in sedimentary rocks and dissolved in oceans
5
Q
what are mycorrhizae ?
A
- symbiotic relationships between plant roots and beneficial fungi
6
Q
why are mycorrhizae beneficial for plant growth ?
A
- the fungi increase the surface area for water and mineral absorption
- mycorrhizae acts like a sponge so holds water and minerals around the roots
- makes plant more drought resistant and able to take up more inorganic ions
7
Q
what is the mycorrhizae role in the nutrient cycles ?
A
- improves the uptake of relatively scarce ions
- such as phosphate ions
8
Q
what does in tern the plant provide to the fungi ?
A
- provides the fungi with photosynthetic products
- such as carbohydrates
9
Q
what kind of relationship is there between the fungi and the plant ?
A
- a mutualistic relationship
- each organism benefits
10
Q
A
11
Q
A
