The Phosphorous Cycle

Question 1

What elements is phosphorus found?

Answer 1

Phosphorus is found in DNA/RNA, ATP and the phospholipid bilayer

Question 2

What makes the phosphorus cycle different to nitrogen cycle?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

How does mycorrhizae benefit plant growth?

Answer 3

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

Question 3

What are mycorrhizae?

Answer 3

Mycorrhizae are associations between certain types of fungi and the roots of the vast majority of plants

Question 4

What is the mycorrhizal relationships between plant and fungi described as?

Answer 4

The mycorrhizal relationships between plant and fungi are described as mutualistic

Question 5

Why are the mycorrhizal relationships between plant and fungi described as mutualistic?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Outline the phosphorus cycle?

Answer 6

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