The
Carbon Cycle
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is basic to the existence of all forms of life. It is thus the most important biological process on earth. All green plants and some bacteria produce biomass by means of photosynthesis; this biomass then serves as food for other organisms. Photosynthesis is the process by which inorganic carbon dioxide is converted into organic biomass (see figure 5).
Organisms that carry out photosynthesis obtain the energy they require by assimilating and converting energy from sunlight. Other living organisms - for example, all animals, and human beings - meet their energy and carbon requirements by eating.
Photosynthesis allows plants and algae to grow without, so to speak, consuming fuel. It leads to the binding of nutrients and the release of oxygen into the water.
Fig. 5. Photosynthesis and respiration (combustion)
Respiration
By means of respiration (metabolism) living organisms are able to convert foreign biomass (food) and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water, and in so doing to gain energy. The carbon dioxide and water are expelled, or, in a manner of speaking, exhaled.
Photosynthesis and respiration form a closed cycle (see figure 5).
Green plants are able to go through each and every stage in this cycle. In the daytime they obtain energy for their photosynthesis from the sunlight and develop endogenic biomass. Oxygen is created as a waste product during this process and released into the environment. At night-time there is a changeover in the metabolism of the plants; after nightfall they use up their energy reserves, and at the same time consume oxygen.
Other living beings are only capable of completing parts of this carbon cycle; they lack the organic systems required for photosynthesis. They ingest foods which are rich in energy and convert these into endogenic biomass. This complex biochemical process, in the course of which oxygen is used up and carbon dioxide expelled, is known as respiration.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is basic to the existence of all forms of life. It is thus the most important biological process on earth. All green plants and some bacteria produce biomass by means of photosynthesis; this biomass then serves as food for other organisms. Photosynthesis is the process by which inorganic carbon dioxide is converted into organic biomass (see figure 5).
Organisms that carry out photosynthesis obtain the energy they require by assimilating and converting energy from sunlight. Other living organisms - for example, all animals, and human beings - meet their energy and carbon requirements by eating.
Photosynthesis allows plants and algae to grow without, so to speak, consuming fuel. It leads to the binding of nutrients and the release of oxygen into the water.
Fig. 5. Photosynthesis and respiration (combustion)
Respiration
By means of respiration (metabolism) living organisms are able to convert foreign biomass (food) and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water, and in so doing to gain energy. The carbon dioxide and water are expelled, or, in a manner of speaking, exhaled.
Photosynthesis and respiration form a closed cycle (see figure 5).
Green plants are able to go through each and every stage in this cycle. In the daytime they obtain energy for their photosynthesis from the sunlight and develop endogenic biomass. Oxygen is created as a waste product during this process and released into the environment. At night-time there is a changeover in the metabolism of the plants; after nightfall they use up their energy reserves, and at the same time consume oxygen.
Other living beings are only capable of completing parts of this carbon cycle; they lack the organic systems required for photosynthesis. They ingest foods which are rich in energy and convert these into endogenic biomass. This complex biochemical process, in the course of which oxygen is used up and carbon dioxide expelled, is known as respiration.
Nutritional Cycle
Food Pyramid