PHOSPHORUS CYCLE-AP BIO

What is phosphorus essential for in cellular molecules?

nucleic acids, phospholipids, and ATP.

How does phosphorus differ from other elements like carbon and nitrogen in its cycle?

does not cycle through the atmosphere; it is found only in soil, rocks, and water.

How do animals obtain phosphorus?

consuming food sources like milk, grain, and meat.

In what form do producers like plants and algae take up phosphorus?

in the form of phosphate, which easily dissolves in water.

What initiates the release of phosphate ions from rocks?

Rain and weathering of rocks

What happens to inorganic phosphate after plants take it up?

incorporated into organic molecules such as DNA when consumed by animals.

What is the process called that makes organic forms of phosphate available to plants?

Mineralization.

What can happen to phosphorus in soil when it enters waterways?

end up in waterways and eventually oceans, where it can be incorporated into sediments.

What is eutrophication?

the process where nutrient runoff, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, promotes excessive aquatic growth, leading to algal blooms.

What are the consequences of algal blooms in lakes?

Algal blooms decrease oxygen levels in lakes, which can lead to fish deaths.

How do decomposing bacteria affect oxygen levels in water during algal blooms?

Decomposing bacteria use up oxygen, which decreases oxygen levels in the water.

What are some biological impacts of phosphorus in ecosystems?

formation of nucleic acids, phospholipids, and ATP.

What is the relationship between spring runoff and algal blooms?

Spring runoff of nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilized soils into lakes promotes algal blooms.

What happens to algae after they bloom?

algae die and decompose, which further decreases oxygen levels in the water.

What role do detritivores play in the phosphorus cycle?

help in the decomposition process, returning organic phosphate to the soil.

What is the fate of phosphates in solution in soil?

Phosphates in solution can be taken up by plants or can run off into waterways.

What is the significance of sediments in the phosphorus cycle?

Sediments can incorporate phosphorus over time, affecting its availability in aquatic ecosystems.

How does phosphorus contribute to food webs in aquatic ecosystems?

supports the growth of phytoplankton, which are foundational to aquatic food webs.

What happens to light penetration in water bodies due to algal blooms?

Sediments from land can block sunlight, affecting aquatic plant growth.

What is one major consequence of decreased oxygen levels in aquatic environments?

can lead to loss of food, habitat, and oxygen production for aquatic organisms.

What is the cycle of phosphorus in the biosphere?

Phosphorus moves through rocks, water, soil, and organisms, with processes like weathering, mineralization, and decomposition facilitating its movement.

Major reservoir for phosphorus

rocks and sediments

The phosphorus cycle has no _ phase.

gas or atmospheric

Phosphorus is a ___ nutrient in terrestrial and aquatic systems.

limiting

The most common form of phosphorus is _.

PO43− (phosphate)

The 5 major steps of the phosphorus cycle are….

assimilation, mineralization, sedimentation, geologic uplift and weathering

Assimilation

plants and animals take up phosphorus into their tissues

Mineralization

bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter and convert organic P into inorganic P

Geologic Uplift

ocean layers are lifted up and they become mountains where the P in those rocks is slowly weathered by natural forces

Weathering

The breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface by physical or chemical means. Rainfall brings P from rocks into aquatic systems via runoff

Phosphorus is not easily _ in bodies of water. Very little is found in lakes, rivers or streams.

soluble

Sedimentation

the process in which soil particles with P and decaying organic matter accumulate in layers on the ground or at the bottom of large bodies of water, contributing to the formation of sedimentary rock

Human impacts on P cycle

nutrient pollution, excess fertilizers in bodies of water

Algal bloom

The rapid growth of a population of algae in water. Problematic b/c they can produce harmful toxins or absorb excess oxygen

Hypoxic

low or lack of oxygen

Dead Zone

when oxygen concentrations are so low that it kills fish and other aquatic animals