in 9th grade writing 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.
Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration play crucial roles in the carbon cycle. Photosynthesis is the process in which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into glucose, thereby capturing carbon and releasing oxygen as a byproduct. On the other hand, cellular respiration is the process in which organisms, including plants, animals, and bacteria, break down glucose to release energy for their cellular functions. During cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product and released into the atmosphere. Thus, both processes contribute to the cycling of carbon by exchanging it between organisms and the atmosphere.
