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November 4 2008, 1:57 PM
Jessica Stalker
November 7, 2008
5th Hour
Phosphorus
Phosphorus, An Important Nutrient
Phosphorus is a very important nutrient that is in the human diet. It serves many functions that are necessary to live. Also it aids in many different functions and gives the body needed energy for growth and repair. Other than being an important part of every diet, phosphorus is also very interesting. It has an interesting history and comes from many different places a person may never expect. In order to have a well balanced diet it is important for a person to include phosphorus in their daily eating habits. Phosphorus has an interesting history, important functions, and is available from many different sources.
The history of phosphorus is one that many people would not expect. In Greek the prefix phos means light and the suffix phorus means bringing. H. Brandt first isolated it in 1699 by allowing urine to purify before boiling it down to a paste. The industrial production normally derived from the mineral family apatites, containing tricalcium phosphate, of which the Africa continent contains the largest phosphate rock deposits. The rock is heated with sand and carbon in an electric furnace. From this, phosphorus forms as a white vapor. To produce phosphoric acid it can be oxidized in moisture. Phosphoric acid is an important ingredient in making fertilizer. Red phosphorus is used in the manufacture matches, pyrotechnics, pesticides, and other similar things. Phosphorus is an important element for the growth and development of plants and animals. Its compounds also play important part in photosynthesis, metabolism, nerve functions, and other bodily functions.
Phosphorus has many important functions that it performs for the body. Fats, Carbohydrates, and proteins are all utilized by the nutrient. Another thing it is essential for is the growth, maintenance, and repairing of cells. Energy production and proper skeletal growth and tooth development is also something phosphorus is good for. Phosphorous also is essential for the proper function of the kidneys, and the transmission of nerve impulses. In order to include phosphorus in your diet one must eat a variety of food like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, whole grains, and nuts. It is essential to eat these foods to get the benefits of the nutrient.
Phosphorous is more effective with: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, calcium, iron, and manganese. Things in the natural world that it is found in include rocks, soils, and other organic materials. Phosphorus clings tightly to soil particles and is used by plants, so its concentration in clean waters is generally very low. Though this is true phosphorus is found in water in many different forms. It is used in many different fertilizers and other chemicals.
All in all phosphorus is very important, not only for the human diet, but for the natural world. It goes through many different processes and aids in the production of many different things that are in the used by humans. Humans also use it for normal body growth. It is necessary to live. Other than giving the body needed energy, it helps in the function of the nerves and the kidneys. Phosphorus has a very important history, has important functions, and also many different sources and other interesting information.
Citation Page
"Phosphorus, P ". Etacude. November 4, 2008 <http://elements.etacude.com/P.php>.
Murphy, Sheila. "General Information on Phosphorus ". BASIN. November 4, 2008 <http://bouldercommunity.net/basin/data/BACT///info/TP.html>.
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