Module 2: The role of Carbon in Climate Change

What is the role of Carbon in life?

Carbon forms the backbone of organic molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

What makes Carbon so unique?

can form four bonds, allowing it to create long chains and complex structures.

List the four Organic Molecules.

• Carbohydrates

• Lipids

• Proteins

• Nucleic acids

What is a Hydrocarbon?

A molecule made of carbon and hydrogen in long chains.

List the natural contributors to the Carbon Cycle.

• Cellular respiration (living organisms releasing CO₂)

• Ocean exchange (oceans absorb/release CO₂)

• Decomposition of organisms

• Volcanic activity

What is considered an unnatural contributor to the Carbon Cycle?

Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)

Define Carbon Sink.

A major reservoir for carbon, such as the oceans, fossil fuels underground, and the atmosphere.

Define Carbon Source.

A process that releases CO₂ into the atmosphere, such as cellular respiration.

Define Autotroph.

An organism that makes its own food, typically through photosynthesis

Define Heterotroph

Organisms that eat others for energy.

Define Photosynthesis

A process where plants use sunlight, water, and CO₂ to make carbohydrates.

Write the equation for Photosynthesis

6CO2​+6H2​O+light energy→C6​H12​O6​+6O2​

What organelle carries out photosynthesis?

Chloroplasts.

Where are these organelles located in the leaf? (specifically)

Inside mesophyll cells of the leaf.

Define thylakoid.

Platelike membrane structures inside chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions occur.

Define Grana

Stacks of thylakoids

Define Stroma.

The fluid-filled space surrounding the grana where the Calvin cycle occurs.

How does the carbon cycle connect photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

• Autotrophs convert CO₂ into carbohydrates.

• Heterotrophs (and autotrophs) break those carbohydrates down during cellular respiration, releasing CO₂ back into the atmosphere.

Define Photon

A particle of solar energy traveling at different wavelengths.

How many phases are in photosynthesis? Name them.

• Light-dependent reactions

• Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions)

Roles of ATP,

Provides energy to build carbohydrates

Role of NADPH

Provides high-energy electrons to build organic molecules.

Role of CO₂

Raw material for building carbohydrates (carbon fixation).

Role of H₂O

Split to release electrons, H⁺, and O₂.

Role of O₂:

Waste product released into atmosphere.

Role of C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose)

The carbohydrate produced by photosynthesis

Define fossil fuels

energy sources formed from remains of plants and animals.

How are fossil fuels formed?

By submerging plant and animal remains underground and exposing them to heat and pressure over long periods.

How are fossil fuels and climate change related? Are they?

Yes.
Burning fossil fuels is one of the biggest contributors to increasing atmospheric CO₂.