Photosynthesis and cellular respiration play an important role in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Provide an explanation for which letter best represents the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle.
A. E, because CO2 is being used by photosynthetic algae.
B. D, because CO2 from animal wastes are being released back into the atmosphere
C. A, because CO2 being produced by plants in photosynthesis is being released into the atmosphere
D. B, because CO2 from the atmosphere is being used in the process of photosynthesis to produce glucose
atmosphere to make glucose (food) for plants. These plants can then be eaten by animals. Carbon is used by plants and animals and returned to the biosphere through waste and decomposition. Living organisms use cellular respiration to convert food energy (glucose) into usable cellular energy (ATP). Photosynthesis and cellular respiration have a relationship in that the reactants of one are the products of the other. Arrows A and D in the graphic both show the process of cellular respiration. Using this information, what can you infer about the contribution of cellular respiration to the cycling of carbon through the carbon cycle?
A. Cellular respiration uses CO2 from the atmosphere
B. Cellular respiration releases CO2 back into the atmosphere
C. Cellular respiration releases CO2 back into the hydrosphere
D. Cellular respiration increases CO2 concentration in the geosphere