Answer to Question #126321 in Microbiology for Ibrahim jibrin

Question

Give detailed explanation on the phosphorus cycle and how microorganisms take part in it.

Answer 1

the correct answer is;

Phosphorus moves in a cycle through rocks, water, soil and sediments and organisms. Over time, rain and weathering cause rocks to release phosphate ions and other minerals. This inorganic phosphate is then distributed in soils and water. Plants then take up inorganic phosphate from the soil. The plants may then be consumed by animals. Once in the plant or animal, the phosphate is incorporated into organic molecules such as DNA. When the plant or animal dies, it decays, and the organic phosphate is returned to the soil. Within the soil, organic forms of phosphate can be made available to plants by bacteria that break down organic matter to inorganic forms of phosphorus. This process is known as mineralization. Phosphorus in soil can end up in waterways and eventually oceans. Once there, it can be incorporated into sediments over time.

Microorganisms play a key role in the turnover of soil phosphorus a major element in plant nutrition and also the translocation of phosphate from soil solution into plant roots.