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 essential roles in the carbon cycle. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This glucose is then used during cellular respiration, where it is broken down to release energy, producing carbon dioxide as a waste product. The carbon dioxide released by cellular respiration is then released back into the atmosphere, where it can be absorbed by plants again, completing the carbon cycle. Essentially, photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while cellular respiration adds it back into the atmosphere.
