Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Nucleic Acids

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Nucleic Acids

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1:19 minutes

Problem 7

Textbook Question

A shortage of phosphorus in the soil would make it especially difficult for a plant to manufacturea. DNA.b. proteins.c. cellulose.d. sucrose.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of phosphorus in plants. Phosphorus is a vital nutrient for plants, playing a key role in various biological processes. It is a component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is a molecule that stores and transfers energy within cells.

Step 2: Identify the components of each option. DNA is composed of nucleotides, proteins are composed of amino acids, cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units, and sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose.

Step 3: Determine which of these components require phosphorus. DNA and ATP require phosphorus as it is a component of their structure. Proteins, cellulose, and sucrose do not contain phosphorus in their structure.

Step 4: Based on the information from steps 2 and 3, a shortage of phosphorus in the soil would make it especially difficult for a plant to manufacture DNA, as it is a component of its structure.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Role of Phosphorus in Plants

Phosphorus is a vital macronutrient for plants, playing a crucial role in energy transfer, photosynthesis, and the synthesis of nucleic acids. It is a key component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is essential for energy storage and transfer within plant cells. A deficiency in phosphorus can severely hinder a plant's growth and development.

DNA Synthesis

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary material in all living organisms, and its synthesis requires nucleotides, which contain phosphorus in their structure. Phosphorus is integral to the backbone of DNA, linking nucleotides together. Without sufficient phosphorus, a plant cannot effectively produce DNA, impacting its ability to grow and reproduce.

Protein Synthesis

Proteins are essential macromolecules made up of amino acids, and their synthesis is a complex process that requires various nutrients, including phosphorus. While phosphorus is not a direct component of proteins, it is involved in the synthesis of nucleotides and ATP, which are necessary for the translation of genetic information into proteins. A phosphorus shortage can disrupt this process, affecting overall plant health.