Nature's Chemical Cycling System

Nature's Chemical Cycling System

The chemical cycling system of nature is centered around photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Photosynthesis

• Ingredients: Carbon dioxide (from air via leaves) and water (from soil via roots).
• Process: Chloroplasts in leaf cells convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars (e.g., glucose) using sunlight energy.
• Byproduct: Oxygen is released into the environment.

Cellular Respiration

• Process: Takes place primarily in mitochondria of plant and animal cells.
• Function: Utilizes sugars to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts, thus returning these elements to the environment.