Read the following statements regarding phosphorus:
(A). In normal P-sufficient plants, P-content varies from 0.1% to 0.4% by weight, which is 1/5th to 1/10th of N or K content.
(B). Phosphorus containing ATP is called the "Energy currency of the plants".
(C). Plant roots absorb P in the \(\text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^-\) form, but under neutral to alkaline environments, \(\text{HPO}_4^{2-}\) and or \(\text{PO}_4^{3-}\) ions could also be taken up.
(D). Phosphorus is a structural component of the nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and also a constituent of fatty phospholipids.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Show Hint
At a soil pH of \(7.2\), \(\text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^-\) and \(\text{HPO}_4^{2-}\) exist in equal concentrations, representing the optimal pH range for phosphorus availability in many agricultural soils.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Phosphorus (P) is a vital macronutrient involved in energy transfer, structural components, and metabolic pathways within plants. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Statement A is correct: In healthy tissues, phosphorus concentration ranges from \(0.1\%\) to \(0.4\%\) of dry matter, which is roughly \(1/5\text{th}\) to \(1/10\text{th}\) of the concentration of Nitrogen or Potassium (which range from \(1.5\%\) to \(5.0\%\)).
- Statement B is correct: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) contains energy-rich pyrophosphate bonds and is the primary energy currency of biochemical processes.
- Statement C is correct: Roots absorb phosphorus as orthophosphate ions. \(\text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^-\) dominates in acidic environments, while \(\text{HPO}_4^{2-}\) becomes available in neutral to alkaline soils. At very high pH levels, \(\text{PO}_4^{3-}\) may also be present.
- Statement D is correct: Phosphorus forms the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA and RNA and is a key component of membrane phospholipids.
- Since all statements are correct, Option C is the correct answer. Step 3: Final Answer:
All listed statements (A), (B), (C), and (D) are correct.
