Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Organic phosphorus refers to phosphorus compounds found in living organisms or organic matter. It plays a crucial role in biological processes such as DNA synthesis, energy transfer, and cell membrane formation.
Related terms
Inorganic Phosphorus: Inorganic phosphorus refers to forms of phosphorus that are not associated with living organisms or organic matter. It includes phosphate minerals found in rocks and dissolved phosphate ions in water bodies.
Phosphorous Cycle: The phosphorous cycle is a biogeochemical cycle that describes how phosphorous moves through different components of ecosystems such as soil, water bodies, plants, animals, and sediments.
Phosphorous Fertilizers: Phosphorous fertilizers are synthetic or natural substances rich in phosphorus that are added to soils to enhance plant growth and productivity.