Chapter 29, Problem 9RQ

Summary Introduction

To trace:

A pathway of a phosphorous molecule from a phosphate-rich rock into a carnivore.

Introduction:

Phosphorous is the key component of biological molecules such as nucleic acids and the phospholipids of the cell membrane. It is also found in the teeth and bones of vertebrates. The phosphorous cycle describes the pathway taken by phosphorous from its primary reservoir in rocks to the abiotic and biotic components, and then back to the reservoirs. In the phosphorous cycle, almost all phosphorous is bound to oxygen and form phosphate.