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The most important plant function
associated with phosphorus is the storage and transfer of
energy. The energy obtained from photosynthesis and metabolism
of carbohydrate is stored in phosphate compounds vital for
plant growth, such as ADP or ATP (adenosine di- and
triphosphates). Synthesized through both respiration and
photosynthesis, ATP contains high-energy phosphate group that
drive most energy-requiring biochemical processes.
Phosphorus is also an essential
component of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the seat of genetic
inheritance, and of RNA (ribonucleic acid), which directs
protein synthesis in both plants and animals.
Phosphorus is also part of
phospholipids, which play critical roles in cellular
membranes.
Phosphorus is absorbed by plant
roots from the soil solution as phosphate ions (H2PO4-
and HPO42-).
Click
on the items in the cycle diagram to obtain more information.
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