Page 161 - The Periodic Table Book

Uses LIFE’S BUILDING BLOCKS

DNA – short for deoxyribonucleic acid – is like a mini
database packed with instructions telling your body how to
work properly. It consists of a chain of molecules and looks
This light, strong like a twisted ladder called a double helix. The edges are sugar
china contains molecules linked together by units containing phosphorus.
calcium phosphate. The Nitrogen Group

Sugar Phosphate unit

These flexible fibres are Fibre optics
composed of phosphate-rich glass.
Safety match box

China tea set
The striking
surface on the
Spraying ammonium sides of the box
phosphate over burning contains phosphorus,
material cuts off its supply of which ignites the
oxygen. This extinguishes the fire. match upon contact.

Spraying crops
with phosphates kills
Fertilizer
pests, such as insects.

Fire extinguisher
This fertilizer contains
ammonium phosphate to
Pesticides boost plant growth.

solid forms, including red, white, black, and Phosphates are present in fine china, and
violet. The glow seen by Brand was caused are an important ingredient in fertilizers.
by white phosphorus reacting with oxygen. The strips on the sides of safety match
Phosphorus is mainly found in phosphate boxes contain pure phosphorus. More
minerals (in which phosphorus links to complex phosphorus compounds used
oxygen), such as apatite, its main ore. in pesticides are poisonous. 159

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