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I imagine it would be totally unlikely to exist as we know it, if at all.

Consider that:

  1. Phosphorous is part of the ever important phospholipidbilayer of cell membranes. The individual cells ability to exist as a discrete unit, bound by a selectively permeable membrane is essential to it's function.
  2. Phosphorous plays a major structural role in DNA and RNA. It is the phosphates forming diester linkages with ribose sugars that make up the DNA & RNA 'sugar-phosphate' backbone.
  3. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the key form of energy driving biochemical reactions. (eg. cellular respiration, photosynthesis, muscle-movement and many many more important reactions).

So, imagine living organisms without functioning cells, DNA or energy?

This is just a few examples I can think of that would effect life without phosphorous.

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15y ago

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Why cant life exist without phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a crucial element for life as it is a key component of molecules like DNA, RNA, and ATP, which are essential for various biological processes including energy transfer, genetic information storage, and cell signaling. Without phosphorus, these vital processes would not be able to function properly, making life as we know it unsustainable.


What is A life essential chemical like nitrogen phosphorus or potassium?

Nitrogen is an essential chemical for life as it is a key component of proteins and nucleic acids in all living organisms. It is needed for growth, development, and reproduction. Without nitrogen, plants, animals, and humans would not be able to survive.


What would the world be like without phosphorus?

Without phosphorus, most living organisms would struggle to survive, as it is a crucial element for DNA, RNA, and ATP production. This would disrupt essential biological processes, leading to decreased growth and reproduction in plants and animals. Overall, the ecosystem would be severely impacted, with widespread consequences for food chains and biodiversity.


How much phosphorus?

The recommended daily intake of phosphorus for adults is around 700 mg. High levels of phosphorus intake can be harmful and lead to health issues like kidney damage and weakened bones. It is important to maintain a balanced diet to ensure proper phosphorus levels in the body.


What does phosphorus smell like?

Phosphorus itself is odorless. However, certain compounds of phosphorus may have distinctive odors. For example, white phosphorus has a garlic-like smell, while some phosphorus-containing compounds like phosphine gas have a foul odor resembling garlic or rotten fish.