Phosphorus cycle

• phosphorus


  a key element in ATP, phospholipids and nucleic acids
• mineral form


  the main reservoir for the phosphorus cycle
• sedimentary rock deposits


  phosphorus mostly exists in the form of...
• PO3-4


  phosphate ions
• geological uplifting of rocks


  the sedimentary rock deposits start at the bottom of the ocean but are brought to the top by...
• weathering and erosion


  how do the phosphate ions become dissolved?
• plants


  the phosphate ions get absorbed by...
• animals


  phosphate ions in plants get absorbed into.... when they are eaten
• excretion


  how are excess phosphate ions removed from the animal where they accumulate as waste?
• saprobionts


  decomposers
• water or soil


  where do the decomposed phosphate ions from dead plants or animals end up?
• bones or shells


  how can phosphate ions remain in dead animals?
• mycorrhizae


  associations between certain types of fungi and the roots of the vast majority of plants
• extensions


  the fungi act as ..... of the plant root
• increase the surface area


  benefit of the fungi attaching to the plant root
• improves the uptake


  mycorrhizaes part in nutrient cycles for relatively scarce nutrients
• organic compounds


  what does the fungi get from the mutualistic relationship?
• improved water and ion uptake

  what does the plant receive from the mutualistic relationship?
• mutualistic


  relationship between the plant and fungi; mycorrhizae