The Phosphorous Cycle Flashcards
What elements can phosphorus be found in?
Phosphorus is found in DNA/RNA, ATP and the phospholipid bilayer
What makes the phosphorus cycle different to nitrogen cycle?
In the phosphorus cycle, phosphorus is found as a phosphate ion in mineral form in sedimentary rocks
Whereas in the nitrogen cycle, you will find nitrogen and carbon in gas form at certain stages
What is the origin of phosphate ions in the phosphorus cycle?
Phosphate ions originate from sedimentary rock deposits, which are formed in the seas and brought to the surface by geological uplifting
How do phosphate ions become available for plants?
The weathering and erosion of rocks release phosphate ions, which dissolve and become available for plant absorption
How do plants use phosphate ions in the phosphorus cycle?
Plants absorb phosphate ions and incorporate them into their biomass
How do phosphate ions pass from plants to animals?
Animals feed on plants and ingest the phosphate ions incorporated into the plant biomass
What happens to excess phosphate ions in animals?
Excess phosphate ions are excreted and may accumulate in waste materials
What role do decomposers play in the phosphorus cycle?
Decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, break down dead plants and animals, releasing phosphate ions into water or soil
What happens to phosphate ions in parts of animals such as bones or shells?
These phosphate ions remain in bones or shells, which are very slow to decompose
How are phosphate ions are transported into the environment?
Phosphate ions in excretion, decomposition products, and dissolved from rocks are transported by streams and rivers to lakes and oceans
How do phosphate ions complete the phosphorus cycle?
Phosphate ions form sedimentary rocks in lakes and oceans, completing the cycle
What are mycorrhizae?
Mycorrhizae are associations between certain fungi and the roots of most plants
How does mycorrhizae benefit plant growth?
Mycorrhizae increases the surface area of roots for increased water and mineral absorption.
It acts like a sponge absorbing water and mineral ions
Makes plants more drought resistant and capable of taking up more inorganic ions
How is the relationship between plant/fungi and mycorrhizae described as?
The mycorrhizal relationships between plant and fungi are described as mutualistic
Why are the mycorrhizal relationships between plant and fungi described as mutualistic?
The plants benefit from improved water and inorganic ion uptake while the fungus receives organic compounds such as sugars and amino acids from the plant
Outline the phosphorus cycle? (5 stages)
1* Phosphorus is slowly released into the soil and into water sources in the form of phosphate ions by the process of weathering
2* Phosphate ions are taken up from the soil by plants through their roots or absorbed from water by algae
3* Phosphate ions are then transferred to consumers during feeding
4* Phosphate ions in waste products and dead organisms are released into the soil or water during decomposition by saprobionts
5* The phosphate ions can now be taken up and used nce again by producers or may be trapped in sediments that, over very long geological time periods may turn into phosphorus - containing rock again
