A fellow student is studying the differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The student asks you to explain how cellular respiration uniquely contributes to the carbon cycle. In 3-5 sentences, describe the different ways that both photosynthesis and cellular
respiration contribute to the carbon cycle. (4 points)
Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration play important roles in the carbon cycle. Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. These glucose molecules are then used during cellular respiration, which releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as a byproduct. In this way, photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected, with photosynthesis removing carbon dioxide and cellular respiration releasing it, maintaining a balance in the carbon cycle. Cellular respiration uniquely contributes to the carbon cycle by being the primary process through which carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to the overall levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
