There is a distinct oscillation of CO2 during each year as CO2 is added to the atmosphere each winter or removed from the atmosphere each summer.
Explain what specific cellular processes lead to these changes in CO2 level.
You must explain what causes CO2 to be released to the atmosphere by the biosphere, and what causes CO2 to be removed from the atmosphere.
My answer: Carbon dioxide has a very important role in the plants entire process of photosynthesis. Plants release carbon dioxide and it is observed that when the carbon dioxide gas concentration is higher in the atmosphere there is an increased rate of photosynthesis with low rate of water loss.
There is always a big difference between the natural carbon dioxide level and the compulsory expulsion of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Likewise there is also another condition where a loss of carbon dioxide level occurs. One reason is the antroprogenic activity of humans which causes this. Burning of fuels specially fossil fuels causes removal of carbon dioxide from atmosphere where much other toxic gases may accumulate.
Recent studies still suggest that the unexpected higher levels of carbon dioxide is still due to the human activity
Please let me know if you think i have answered to the question correctly and if not what i should include. Thank you people
also should i include this: During the summer when plant life thrives the concentration drops, this is because the plants are "breathing" in the CO2, each fall as the vegetation dies off and decomposes some, (not all) of the sequestered CO2 is released back into the atmosphere. Also, while the majority of plant life is dormant during the winter other processes which create CO2 have a change to "catch up".
Your answer touches on some important points, but there are a few additional details that could be included to provide a more comprehensive explanation.
To explain the distinct oscillation of CO2 levels throughout the year, it is important to consider both natural and human-induced processes.
1. Biosphere's Release of CO2:
- Respiration: Both plants and animals engage in respiration, which is a process of converting stored energy into usable forms. During respiration, organisms consume oxygen and release CO2 as a byproduct.
- Decay and Decomposition: When organic matter, such as dead plants or animals, decomposes, bacteria and fungi break down these materials. This process also releases CO2 into the atmosphere.
- Forest Fires: Natural wildfires or human-induced fires can release large amounts of CO2 when vegetation burns.
2. Biosphere's Removal of CO2:
- Photosynthesis: Plants play a vital role in removing CO2 from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. Using sunlight as energy, plants absorb CO2 from the air, combine it with water, and produce oxygen as a byproduct.
- Carbon Sequestration: Some plants, such as trees and oceanic algae, have the ability to store large amounts of carbon in their roots, stems, and leaves. Over time, this sequestered carbon can be locked away from the atmosphere.
- Ocean Absorption: The oceans absorb a significant portion of the atmospheric CO2. Through a process called carbonation, the dissolved CO2 reacts with water, forming carbonic acid, which is then used by marine organisms or settles as sediment on the ocean floor.
It is important to note that the natural carbon cycle has been significantly impacted by human activity. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes release excessive amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, leading to an imbalance in the natural carbon cycle. This human-induced addition of CO2 is a major factor contributing to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide.