» CARBON CYCLE: Carbon is cycled between the atmosphere, land, water & organisms
CARBON: “C” is an essential component of fats, proteins & carbohydrates
CO 2 : Carbon Dioxide (has 2 double bonds)
» CO 2 is used by plants in photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates & O 2 » CO 2 is released when organisms retrieve the energy stored in carbohydrates during cellular respiration
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration
» CARBONATE: Some carbon becomes bones & shells which do not break down easily. These eventually become limestone
» LIMESTONE: 1 of the largest carbon sinks
» CARBON SINK: Reservoir for C. Other examples: rainforest & ocean
» ORGANIC CARBON: (fats, oils & carbohydrates) are released into the soil after organism dies. These form deposits of coal, oil & natural gas & after millions of years & pressurization…are also called FOSSIL FUEL