Question

role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in
rbon cycle

in the carbon cycle, some processes remove carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere, and some processes release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere affects many other
components of the ecosystem. sort the processes according to those that remove
carbon from the atmosphere and those that release carbon into the atmosphere.

drag and drop the processes to the appropriate column.

remove co₂ from the atmosphere release co₂ into the atmosphere

cellular respiration photosynthesis

combustion of fossil fuels decomposition

Explanation:

• Photosynthesis: Plants use carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) from the atmosphere, water (\(H_2O\)), and sunlight to produce glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)). The chemical equation is \(6CO_2 + 6H_2O+sunlight

ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\), so it removes \(CO_2\) from the atmosphere.

• Cellular Respiration: Organisms (plants, animals, etc.) break down glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) in the presence of oxygen (\(O_2\)) to release energy, producing carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) and water (\(H_2O\)). The chemical equation is \(C_6H_{12}O_6+6O_2

ightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O+energy\), so it releases \(CO_2\) into the atmosphere.

• Combustion of Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels (like coal, oil, natural gas) are burned. For example, the combustion of methane (\(CH_4\), a component of natural gas) is \(CH_4 + 2O_2

ightarrow CO_2+2H_2O\). This process releases \(CO_2\) that was stored in the fossil fuels into the atmosphere.

• Decomposition: When plants and animals die, decomposers (such as bacteria and fungi) break down their organic matter. During this process, carbon - containing compounds are oxidized, and carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere.

Answer:

• REMOVE \(CO_2\) from the atmosphere: Photosynthesis
• RELEASE \(CO_2\) into the atmosphere: Cellular Respiration, Combustion of fossil fuels, Decomposition