Question

what is the role of cellular respiration in the carbon cycle?
a cellular respiration removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
b cellular respiration removes carbon dioxide from the hydrosphere.
c cellular respiration adds carbon dioxide to plants and animals.
d cellular respiration adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

Explanation:

Cellular respiration is a process where organisms break down glucose (or other organic molecules) in the presence of oxygen to release energy. The chemical equation for cellular respiration is \(C_6H_{12}O_6+6O_2
ightarrow6CO_2 + 6H_2O+\text{Energy}\). Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) is a by - product of this process. This \(CO_2\) is then released into the atmosphere.

• Option A: Photosynthesis (not cellular respiration) removes \(CO_2\) from the atmosphere (\(6CO_2+6H_2O

ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\)).

• Option B: Cellular respiration does not remove \(CO_2\) from the hydrosphere. The hydrosphere is the water part of the Earth (oceans, lakes, etc.), and cellular respiration is mainly an exchange with the atmosphere.
• Option C: Cellular respiration does not add \(CO_2\) to plants and animals. Plants and animals take in \(O_2\) for cellular respiration and release \(CO_2\) to the atmosphere.
• Option D: As per the cellular respiration equation, \(CO_2\) is produced and released to the atmosphere.

Answer:

D. Cellular respiration adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.