5.4.2

Phosphorous Cycle

Test yourself

Mycorrhizae

Mycorrhizae are fungi that form symbiotic relationships with the roots of plants. Mycorrhizae help plants absorb inorganic ions and water from the soil.

Illustrative background for StructureIllustrative background for Structure ?? "content

Structure

  • The fungi associate with the roots using hyphae.
  • Hyphae are long strands that extend from the cell body.
Illustrative background for FunctionIllustrative background for Function ?? "content

Function

  • Hyphae increase the surface area of the plant root system.
    • This helps plants take up ions that are in short supply (e.g. phosphorus) and water at a faster rate.

Phosphorus Cycle

The phosphorus cycle shows how phosphate ions (PO43-) are transferred between organisms and their ecosystem and how micoorganisms influence each step.

Illustrative background for Uptake of phosphate ionsIllustrative background for Uptake of phosphate ions ?? "content

Uptake of phosphate ions

  • Phosphate ions are assimilated by plants because of the symbiotic relationship between the plant roots and mycorrhizae.
    • Mycorrhizae help to increase the rate of phosphate ion uptake.
Illustrative background for Breakdown of phosphate ionsIllustrative background for Breakdown of phosphate ions ?? "content

Breakdown of phosphate ions

  • As phosphate ions are transferred through the food chain, they are lost as waste products or when an organism dies.
  • Saprobionts decompose waste and dead organisms through extracellular digestion.
  • Phosphate ions are released into the soil and can be recycled for reuse in the cycle.

Jump to other topics

1Biological Molecules

2Cells

3Substance Exchange

4Genetic Information & Variation

5Energy Transfers (A2 only)

6Responding to Change (A2 only)

7Genetics & Ecosystems (A2 only)

8The Control of Gene Expression (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson