Explain how carbon is related to each of the examples below.
organic matter
Photosynthesis
Cellular respiration
Carbon is related to organic matter because carbon is the key element present in all living organisms and their byproducts. Organic matter refers to any material that contains carbon, such as plants, animals, and their waste products.
Carbon is essential in photosynthesis because it is used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to produce organic molecules such as glucose. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is converted into glucose, a process that provides energy for the organism and releases oxygen as a waste product.
Cellular respiration is the process by which organisms break down organic molecules, such as glucose, to release energy. Carbon is involved in cellular respiration because the organic molecules containing carbon, typically glucose, are broken down in cells to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) as a waste product. This carbon dioxide is then released back into the atmosphere.
Carbon is related to each of the examples below in the following ways:
1. Organic matter: Carbon is a fundamental element found in all living organisms and is a key component of organic matter. Organic matter refers to any substance that contains carbon and is derived from living organisms or their byproducts. Carbon atoms form the backbone of organic molecules, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which make up living organisms and contribute to the formation of organic matter.
2. Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy. Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is one of the primary sources of carbon for photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants absorb CO2 through tiny pores called stomata on their leaves. The carbon in CO2 is then incorporated into glucose, a sugar molecule, through a series of complex reactions. Glucose and other carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis serve as an energy source and are used to build other organic molecules in the plant.
3. Cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is the process by which living cells break down organic molecules, including glucose and other carbohydrates, to release energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). In cellular respiration, oxygen is required to fully extract energy from glucose. During this process, carbon atoms from glucose are released as carbon dioxide (CO2) as a waste product. The CO2 is then released into the bloodstream, transported to the lungs, and eventually exhaled from the body. Thus, carbon plays a crucial role in the production of energy through cellular respiration.