How do plants recycle carbon during photosynthesis?
The carbon in oxygen molecules is recycled during photosynthesis.
The carbon in water is recycled during photosynthesis.
The carbon in glucose is recycled during photosynthesis.
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through small pores called stomata. This carbon dioxide is combined with water in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll to produce glucose, a simple sugar.
The carbon from carbon dioxide is incorporated into the glucose molecule, effectively recycling it. The glucose molecule is then broken down through cellular respiration to release energy for the plant's metabolic processes. This process also releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, which can be used again by other plants during photosynthesis.
In summary, plants recycle carbon during photosynthesis by taking in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and incorporating it into glucose. The carbon in glucose is used to produce energy through cellular respiration, and the resulting carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere to be reused by other plants.