Phosphorus is absolutely essential to all life on earth. In the form of phosphates (PO4) it is part of the backbone of DNA/RNA molecules, the genetic code for all lifeforms. As part of the ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecule it is involved in energy production for the cell, by the transfer of a (highly reactive) phosphate group from one molecule to another. Phosphorus is a component of some amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. It is a component of bones and teeth. It helps with muscle contractions and keeping the heartbeat regulated. It aids in kidney functioning. Phosphorus helps in the nervous system.
We need dietary phosphorus to survive, but it is in every cell of every type of food we eat. Phosphorus deficiencies are rare.
(note: the phosphate group is a phosphorus atom with four atoms of oxygen attached. I could not do a subscript in the second sentence of my answer.)
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