Role of Phosphorus in the Photosynthetic Dark Phase Biochemical Pathways
Alex Odoom, Wilfred Ofosu
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral nutrient for plant growth and development, second only to nitrogen in abundance. It is frequently limited in soil, requiring the application of P-fertilizers to improve plant productivity. One critical function of P in plants is its role in the dark phase of photosynthesis, where it functions in energy storage and transfer, carbon fixation, regulation of the dark phase, and nucleotide and coenzyme biosynthesis. P is a foundational component of important molecules like ATP and essential coenzymes, which are crucial for efficient carbon fixation and energy conversion during the Calvin cycle. Sustainable P-management strategies and improved agricultural practices are necessary to optimize plant growth and ensure sustainable agricultural production in the face of P-limitations.