- inorganic phosphate
- dissolved organic phosphorus
- phosphonates
- stored polyphosphate
Operational definition
Nutrient-acquisition and assimilation process.
The mobilization, uptake, and retention of phosphorus for use in:
- nucleic acids;
- phospholipids;
- phosphorylated metabolites;
- ATP and related compounds;
- mineral structures;
- polyphosphate reserves.
Sources may include inorganic phosphate, organic phosphorus compounds, phosphonates, and recycled biomass.