the carbon cycle

The carbon cycle starts with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The only way carbon can enter the carbon cycle is by photosynthesis. Remember in photoshop carbon dioxide is combined with water to make the sugar glucose. Photosynthesis uses light energy snd is carried out by plants. So remember photosynthesis is the only carbon can enter the carbon cycle.

Carbon dioxide returns back to the atmosphere by aerobic respiration. Remember every single living organism carries out respiration. ( respiration and breathing are not the same thing)

Carbon cycle involves two key processes: 1) photosynthesis which brings carbon into the cycle. 2) respiration which returns carbon back to the atmosphere.

What happens in the carbon cycle—-

Here is the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere—> plants and algae take in carbon dioxide from atmosphere in photosynthesis—> the carbon is used to make carbohydrates, fats and proteins which make up the cells of plants and algae—> plants and algae respire so some of the carbon is released back to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide—> plants and algae can be eaten by animals —→ and then these animalss can be eaten by other animals like this —> at this point the carbon that was in the plants becomes part of the carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the cells of animals—→ just like plants, animals respire so some of the carbon is released back to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide—→ animals release water products such as faeces and eventually all animals and plants die. —→ now we have carbon in waste products and in dead remains —> the waste products in dead remains are then broken by down by decomposing microorganisms for e.g bacteria and fungi —→ and when decomposed carry our respiration the carbon in the waste and dead remains is returned to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Decomposers are extremely important as they cycle materials through a system.

As well as return carbon to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide they also release mineral ions to the soil.

Under certain conditions e.g a lack of oxygen , decomposed cannot function effectively. If this happens then the carbon in dead remains can slowly be converted to fossil fuels.

Combusting fossil fuels is releasing a large amount of carbon dioxide back to the atmosphere.