Carbon Cycle (Edexcel IGCSE Biology)
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The Carbon Cycle
Carbon is an essential part of the biological molecules from which cells are built, e.g. carbohydrates, proteins and fats
Carbon is cycled through ecosystems via the processes of the carbon cycle
Uptake of carbon by living organisms
Carbon is taken out of the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide by plants during photosynthesis
The carbon is used to make glucose, which can be turned into carbohydrates, fats and proteins within the biomass of plants
Transfer of carbon between living organisms
Carbon is passed from plants to animals when herbivores feed
Carbon passes between animals when carnivores feed
Release of carbon into the atmosphere
Carbon returns to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide during respiration
Respiration occurs in plants and animals
Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, use dead and waste material to fuel respiration, releasing CO2 during decomposition
If animals and plants die in conditions where decomposers are not present the carbon in their bodies can be converted into fossil fuels; these can be burned to release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by combustion
Carbon is cycles through ecosystems by processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and combustion
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