Phosphorus Cycle Flashcards
(20 cards)
_____ is a chemical element with a symbol P and atomic number 15.
Phosphorus
What are the symbol and the atomic number of phosphorus?
P
Num 15
A multivalent nonmetal of the nitrogen group,_____ as a mineral is almost always present in its maximally oxidized state, as inorganic phosphate.
phosphorus
Elemental phosphorus was first isolated as white phosphorus in what year ?
1669.
“The phosphorus cycle is the movement of phosphorus from the environment to organisms and then back to the environment”
True
The phosphorus cycle may also be referred to as the mineral to as the mineral cycle or ______
sedimentary cycle.
Phosphorus is the scarcest and therefore the one most limiting in any given ecological system.
True
The atmosphere does not play a significant role in the movement of phosphorus, because phosphorus and phosphorus-based compounds are usually solids at the typical ranges of temperature and pressure found on earth
True
Unlike the other cycles, phosphorus cannot be found in air in the _____
gaseous state.
Give the 4 phosphorus cycle?
•Weathering.
•Absorption by Plants.
•Absorption by Animals.
•Return to the Environment through Decomposition
• Phosphorus is found in the rocks in abundance
• That is why the phosphorus cycle starts in the earth’s crust
• The phosphate salts are broken down from the rocks
• The salts are washed away into the ground where they mix in the soil.
Weathering
•The phosphate salts dissolved in the water are absorbed by the plants
• The amount of phosphorus present in the soil is very less
• That is why farmers apply phosphate fertilizers on agricultural land
• The aquatic plants absorb inorganic phosphorus from lower layers of water bodies
• Phosphate salts do not dissolve in water properly, the affect plant growth in an eco system.
Absorption by Plants
•The animals absorb phosphorus from the plants or by consuming plant-eating animals
• The rate of phosphorus cycle is faster in plants and animals when compared to rocks
Absorption by Animals
The rate of phosphorus cycle is faster in plants and animals when compared to rocks
True
• When the plants and animals die they are decomposed by microorganisms, during this process, the organic form of phosphorus is converted into the inorganic form, which is recycled to soil and water
• Soil and water will end up in sediments and rocks, which will again release phosphorus by weathering
• Thus, phosphorus cycle starts over
Return to the environment through decomposition
• The phosphorus fertilizers increase the level of phosphorus in the soil
• Overuse of this fertilizers reduces the fertility of the soil and is also harmful to the microorganisms present in the soil
True
• Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for animals and plants.
• Animals absorb phosphates by eating plants or plant-eating animals.
• A critical role in cell development
• Most protein-rich foods are good source of phosphorus too, but some non-protein foods also contain phosphorus.
Positive Effect of Phosphorus Cycle
Point and non-point source polluters increase excess phosphorus in waterways creating algae blooms that destroy precious ecosystems
Dead zones
• There is a large quantity of phosphorus in the soil, much of it is in a form that isn’t accessible to the plants.
• Adding more phosphorus thorough the use of fertilizers.
• It can pose a detrimental negative side effect on the environment.
• Extra phosphorus builds up in the soil and eventually runs off (along with nitrogen) into our waters, harming marine animals
Negative Effect of Phosphorus Cycle
Phosphorus is a component of______
DNA,RNA, ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), and the phospholipids
