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1.11 The Phosphorus Cycle

1.11 The Phosphorus Cycle . (Sec 4.5 pg 98-100). Phosphorus (P) is an essential biological molecule (Figs 1&2 p.98) – it’s used for making DNA, proteins and other important organic compounds, including…. …the cell membrane of each cell in your body!.

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1.11 The Phosphorus Cycle

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  1. 1.11 The Phosphorus Cycle (Sec 4.5 pg98-100)

  2. Phosphorus (P) is an essential biological molecule (Figs 1&2 p.98) – it’s used for making DNA, proteins and other important organic compounds, including….

  3. …the cell membrane of each cell in your body!

  4. Elements cycled on a global scale that we’ve examined so far (oxygen, carbon, nitrogen) commonly exist in gas form, but P doesn’t – this is something unique about the P cycle.

  5. All P originates from the weathering of sedimentary and metamorphic bedrock in the Earth’s crust – Phosphate ions (PO4) are dissolved from rock into soil or water through weathering. • P is then absorbed by producers (plants), who absorb phosphates from the soil.

  6. There are two cycles associated with P (Fig 3 p.99, and Data Pages): • Short cycle = takes less time for the P to cycle. • Organisms die releasing P into the soil and water. • Producers absorb P from the soil. • Consumers eat producers (consumers get their P from producers).

  7. Long Cycle = takes thousands / millions of years (a very long cycle) • Organism die - elements (P) from body deposited on the ocean floor. • Ocean floor forms sedimentary rock. • Rock is eventually exposed to weather and the P in the rock dissolves. • The water and P (phosphate) are absorbed by a plant. • Plants (producers) eaten by consumers.

  8. RANDOM FACTS TIME!!! • What organism currently holds the title for the largest organism on Earth??? • C’mon, what d’ya think?? VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWAA-SrrFUQ

  9. Certain species of fungi live in association with plant roots (these fungi have a symbiotic relationship with the plants) – these fungi are called mycorrhizae(Fig.4 p.99). • The fungi increase the availability of phosphates for the host plants, and the plants provide the fungi with carbohydrates from photosynthesis. • In essence, they ‘feed’ each other!

  10. Mycorrhizae are extremely important to plants – it is estimated that ~ 80% of plant species associate with mycorrhizal fungi! • VIDEO: • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlunzuBdOAw&list=PL2SBAFWHOIW2Jh_go-Hfe6bHnW5ibCggp

  11. Human activities can add P to ecosystems. • Examples include: farmers adding commercially-produced fertilizers (typically contain N, P, and potassium); animal manure contains P and is used as a fertilizer; sewage and industrial outflows add phosphates to water systems (often in a ‘bad’ way – pollution).

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