1.In the Model 2 diagram, place a green star by each process (A, B, C, D) that represents photosynthesis, and a red star by each process (A, B, C, D) that represents cellular respiration.
2.Write/Type and Label equations for cellular respiration and photosynthesis below. Circle the carbon dioxide in each. If you need help, see Model 1 above.
Photosynthesis Equation:
Respiration Equation:
3.When matter from plants and animals decay (rot), microorganisms responsible for the decomposition process respire. Knowing this information, do you need to add any red stars to Model 2? Explain.
4.List any chemical processes other than photosynthesis and respiration that are taking place in Model 2.
5.Are any of your answers from question 4 due to human activity? Explain.
6.Ignoring the human actions of auto and factory emissions, what generalization can you make about the balance of carbon dioxide in Model 2 over a long period of time?
How would the burning of fossil fuels upset the balance of the carbon dioxide cycle?
Deforestation is another example of human activities that affects the carbon dioxide cycle. Explain how the cutting down and burning of trees would impact this cycle.
1. A (Photosynthesis), C (Photosynthesis), B (Cellular respiration), D (Cellular respiration)
2. Photosynthesis Equation: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy -> C6H12O6 + 6O2 (Circle CO2)
Respiration Equation: C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP (Circle CO2)
3. No, because the microorganisms responsible for decomposition in the process of decay are already included in the cellular respiration processes represented by the red stars.
4. Fermentation, combustion
5. Yes, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to an increase in CO2 levels.
6. Over a long period of time, the balance of carbon dioxide in Model 2 would most likely remain relatively stable due to the natural processes of photosynthesis and respiration, with fluctuations caused by factors such as seasons and weather patterns.
Burning fossil fuels would upset the balance of the carbon dioxide cycle by adding additional CO2 into the atmosphere that would not be immediately absorbed by plants through photosynthesis. This would result in an increase in atmospheric CO2 levels and contribute to climate change.
Deforestation would impact the carbon dioxide cycle by reducing the number of plants available to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis. The cutting down and burning of trees would release stored carbon in the form of CO2 back into the atmosphere, further contributing to an increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. This would also decrease the overall capacity for carbon sequestration, exacerbating the effects of increased CO2 emissions from other sources.