Nitrogen is a critical component of the amino acids that make up proteins and the nucleotides of DNA and RNA. Nitrogen atoms cycle between different chemical and biochemical compounds as they move from organisms to the soil, water, and air and back to organisms. A variety of natural processes as well as some human activities contribute to the transformation and movement of nitrogen through the ecosystem.
Phosphorus is critical for the structure of DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids. It is also critical for bones and teeth. Phosphorus cycles primarily through soil, water, and organisms. It is not a major component of gases in the atmosphere. Phosphorus is generally added to an ecosystem by the weathering of rocks, although human activities can also add phosphorus compounds to soil and water. When taken up by organisms, it is incorporated into organic molecules, then released back to the environment by decomposition.
Phosphorus is critical for the structure of DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids. It is also critical for bones and teeth. Phosphorus cycles primarily through soil, water, and organisms. It is not a major component of gases in the atmosphere. Phosphorus is generally added to an ecosystem by the weathering of rocks, although human activities can also add phosphorus compounds to soil and water. When taken up by organisms, it is incorporated into organic molecules, then released back to the environment by decomposition.