1. Topic 2-5: Phosphorus Cycle

2. The Phosphorus Cycle Phosphorus: cell membranes ATP - Adenosine tri PHOSPHATE bones - calcium phosphate Two methods of P recycling: geological (abiotic) living organisms (biotic)

3. Long Term Cycle Most common form: a part of rocks Properties: soluble - dissolve in water Phosphates dissolve in water—erosion carries them from land to streams and rivers and then finally to the oceans Oceans  sediments may be thrust upward and once again form land through geological activity

4. Long Term Cycle

5. Short Term Cycle Phosphates in water also enter the food chain through photosynthetic organisms Decomposition of dead organisms  soluble phosphates are absorbed by plants and used during photosynthesis Plants are eaten by animals

6. Short Term Cycle

7. Phosphorous Cycle