Carbon Cycle

Points to note 

-          -Usually, carbon does not exist alone. It forms molecules or compounds. E.g. it can exist as CO₂ and it is also a component of protein, lipids  carbohydrates that found in living organisms

-          -Carbon enters the Carbon cycle through photosynthesis when plants, algae or some bacteria use carbon dioxide to manufacture food.

-         - Glucose made, contains carbon (C₆H₁₂ O₆). The carbon is also used to make plant proteins, and lipids. Therefore, when animals feed on plants, the carbon is transferred to the animals

-         - Plants and animals undergo respiration, and the glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) breaks down. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is then released into the atmosphere

-          -When animals and plants die, or release waste, then microorganisms will feed on the waste, and release the carbon

-          Animals and plants remains, after millions of years, become fossilized. When the fossil fuel is burned, it releases carbon dioxide to the atmosphere

-          -To summarize: Photosynthesis removes CO₂ from the atmosphere, while respiration, decomposition (by microorganisms) and combustion (burning of fossil fuel) releases CO₂ into the atmosphere.