Phosphorus (p) - macronutrients, Biology

Assignment Help:

Phosphorus (P) - Macronutrients

In soil, phosphorus occurs almost exclusively in the form of orthophosphate. Substantial amount of P is associated with the soil organic matter. The major P-containing ions in soil solutions are HPO2-4 and H2PO4. Roots are capable of absorbing phosphate from solution low in phosphate content. The phosphate content of roots and xylem sap is about 100-1000 fold higher than that of the soil solution. This shows that phosphate is absorbed by plants against a very steep concentration gradient. Phosphate is highly mobile in the plant and can be translocated in upward or downward direction. The inorganic form of phosphate found in plants are orthophosphate and to a minor extent, pyrophosphate. The organic form of phosphates are compounds in which the orthophosphate is esterified with hydroxyl groups of sugars and alcohols or bound through a pyrophosphate bond to another phosphate group. You know that phosphorylated sugars and alcohols are the major intermediary compounds of metabolism.

Phosphate is also present in phospholipids. The nucleotide phosphates - ATP, UTP, GTP, CTP supply energy to various endergonic processes including active ion uptake and the synthesis of various organic compounds. Another important phosphorus containing compound is phytin which is mainly found in seeds. It is Ca or Mg salt of Phytic acid and is formed during seed formation. Phytic acid is the hexaphosphoric ester of inositol. Immediately after pollination there is an increase in P transport towards the developing seeds. Phosphorus in the phytin of seeds is regarded as a P reserve. During seed germination phytin is mobilised and converted into other phosphate forms that are needed in the metabolism of young plants. Plants suffering from P deficiency are retarded in growth. In cereals tillering is reduced. Generally, the symptoms of P deficiency appear in the older leaves which become darkish green in colour. The stems of many annual plant species suffering from P deficiency develop reddish colour due to enhanced formation of anthocyanin pigments.


Related Discussions:- Phosphorus (p) - macronutrients

Hair, how many hair are there on head

how many hair are there on head

What are the cells that form the cartilaginous tissue, What are the cells t...

What are the cells that form the cartilaginous tissue? The main cells of the cartilages are the chondrocytes, originate from the chondroblasts that secrete the intersticial ma

Describe how enzymes assay is helpful in milk and meat, Describe how enzyme...

Describe how enzymes assay is helpful in milk and meat Wheat seeds a) Determination of  α-amylase, content: an increase indicates sprouting/ germination of stored wheat;

Determine the glycogen receptors in the plasma membranes, Which of the foll...

Which of the following serves as an effector, or as part of an effector, that functions in a negative feedback system? A. Glycogen Receptors in the plasma membranes of liver ce

What is tertiary structure of a protein, Q. What is tertiary structure of a...

Q. What is tertiary structure of a protein? What are the major types of tertiary structure? The tertiary protein structure is a spatial conformation additional to the secondary

The cell, how does autophagy help in converting a tadpole larva into an adu...

how does autophagy help in converting a tadpole larva into an adult amphibian

Describe the functionality of pectin, Functionality Pectins are mainly ...

Functionality Pectins are mainly used as gelling agents, but can also act as a  thickener, water binder and stabilizer. Low methoxyl pectins ( 2+ ions. Highly acetylated pecti

Explain role of mineral salt in creation of electric tension, What is the r...

What is the role of mineral salts in the creation of electric tension (voltage) at the cellular level? The electric activity of the cell, for instance, in neurons, depends on

How much vitamins should be taken for management of obesity, How much Vitam...

How much Vitamins should be taken for management of obesity? If adequate amount of fresh fruits and vegetables are included in the diet, the body stores of water soluble vitami

The cell body of the toe motor neuron, Which of the following is true for a...

Which of the following is true for a toe motor neuron that excites a toe muscle that moves the big toe in the left foot? A. All of the axon terminals of the toe motor neuron ar

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd