Plant Biology: Photosynthesis, Carbon Cycle, Greenhouse Effect & Climate Change

Flashcards about Photosynthesis and the Global Carbon Cycle

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use light energy to make food molecules from carbon dioxide and water.

Carbon

Basic building block of organic compounds necessary for life.

Global Carbon Cycle

A global gaseous cycle based on carbon dioxide gas.

Carbon Dioxide

Key component of nature's thermostat.

Greenhouse Effect

Carbon in the atmosphere traps heat.

Plants

Terrestrial producers that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Algae and Photosynthetic Bacteria

Aquatic producers that remove carbon dioxide from the water.

Aerobic Respiration

Breaks down glucose & other complex organic compounds & converts carbon back to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or water.

Fossil Fuels

Buried deposits of dead plant matter & bacteria compressed between layers of sentiment.

Deforestation

Removing trees and other plants that absorb carbon dioxide.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Key greenhouse gas contributed through burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and clearing of land for agriculture.

Methane (CH4)

Key greenhouse gas contributed mostly by agricultural activities and energy use.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Key greenhouse gas contributed by agricultural activities, especially use of fertilizers and fuel combustion.

Carbon Footprint

An estimate of the amount of CO2 you are directly or indirectly responsible for producing each year.

Ocean Acidification

Increased CO2 absorbed by the ocean leads to more carbonic acid.