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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the phosphorus cycle is true?
A
Phosphorus is produced during photosynthesis.
B
Phosphorus is mainly obtained by plants from the air.
C
Phosphorus is primarily cycled through the atmosphere as a gas.
D
Phosphorus does not have a significant atmospheric component in its cycle.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the phosphorus cycle: The phosphorus cycle is unique compared to other biogeochemical cycles because it does not include a significant atmospheric component. Phosphorus is primarily cycled through soil, water, and living organisms.
Clarify the role of phosphorus: Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for living organisms, playing a key role in the formation of DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids in cell membranes.
Identify the sources of phosphorus: Phosphorus is mainly obtained by plants from the soil in the form of phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻). It is not obtained from the air, as phosphorus does not exist in a gaseous form under normal conditions.
Explain why phosphorus is not produced during photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is a process where plants convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen. Phosphorus is not produced during this process; instead, it is absorbed from the soil as a nutrient.
Conclude with the correct statement: The correct answer is that phosphorus does not have a significant atmospheric component in its cycle, as it primarily cycles through terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.