Phosphates incorporated into the organic molecules in plants and animals happens when it flows out of the water into plants that are consumed by animals.Inorganic phosphates are a plant nutrient and are taken in by plants with water and incorporated into organic phosphate compounds. Plants absorb the phosphate then binds into the phosphate to create organic compounds. Animals obtain their essential phosphorus from phosphates in water and plant material. Organic compounds that contain phosphate are used to transfer energy from one reaction to drive another reaction within cells.