How do plants recycle carbon during photosynthesis?
The carbon in water is recycled during photosynthesis
The carbon in oxygen molecules is recycled during photosynthesis
The carbon in glucose is recycled during photosynthesis
The carbon in carbon dioxide recycled during photosynthesis
During photosynthesis, plants recycle carbon by utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The carbon atoms in CO2 are converted into organic molecules, particularly glucose, through a series of enzymatic reactions in the chloroplasts of plant cells. The process involves the absorption of sunlight energy, which powers the synthesis of glucose and the release of oxygen (O2) gas. This conversion of carbon dioxide into glucose is the primary way plants recycle carbon during photosynthesis. Additionally, the glucose produced can be further transformed and utilized in various metabolic processes within the plant or stored as starch for future energy needs.
The correct answer is:
The carbon in carbon dioxide is recycled during photosynthesis.
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through tiny pores called stomata in their leaves. The carbon dioxide is then converted into glucose, a form of carbohydrate, during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. This glucose molecule can be used as a source of energy for the plant, but it can also be stored or used to build other molecules such as cellulose or starch.
In this way, the carbon in carbon dioxide is effectively recycled by plants, as they convert it into organic molecules and release oxygen as a byproduct. This process helps to balance the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and is crucial for the Earth's carbon cycle.
The correct answer is: The carbon in carbon dioxide is recycled during photosynthesis.
Plants perform a process called photosynthesis, which is the process by which they convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) using energy from the sun. During photosynthesis, plants capture energy from sunlight and use it to combine carbon dioxide and water to create glucose.
Here is how plants recycle carbon during photosynthesis:
1. Carbon Dioxide Intake: Plants have specialized structures called stomata, which are tiny pores usually found on the undersides of leaves. These stomata allow carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to enter the plant.
2. Chlorophyll Absorption: Inside the plant's cells, there are membrane-bound organelles called chloroplasts. Chloroplasts contain a pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, specifically the red and blue wavelengths, while reflecting green light. The absorbed sunlight provides the energy needed for photosynthesis.
3. Light-dependent Reactions: In the chloroplasts, the absorbed sunlight is used to power a series of chemical reactions known as the light-dependent reactions. These reactions convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate).
4. Carbon Fixation: During the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle or C3 photosynthesis, plants use the generated ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into glucose. This process is called carbon fixation since it involves taking inorganic carbon dioxide and converting it into an organic carbon molecule, glucose.
5. Oxygen Release: As a byproduct of photosynthesis, plants release oxygen back into the atmosphere through their stomata. This oxygen is essential for the survival of other organisms, including animals.
So, during photosynthesis, plants recycle carbon by converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into glucose (C6H12O6) as part of the light-independent reactions. This allows plants to use the carbon from CO2 to build their own organic molecules, while releasing oxygen (O2) back into the atmosphere.