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.
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two interconnected processes that play complementary roles in the carbon cycle. During photosynthesis, plants and some other organisms use carbon dioxide and sunlight to produce glucose and release oxygen. This results in the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and its conversion into organic compounds. On the other hand, cellular respiration involves the breakdown of organic compounds, including glucose, to release energy for cellular activities. This process releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, thus completing the carbon cycle. While photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, cellular respiration returns it, ensuring a balance in the carbon cycle.
