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

The carbon cycle

Carbon is cycles through ecosystems by processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and combustion

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Lára

Author: Lára

Expertise: Biology Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.