1. The Carbon Cycle Revisited

2. Carbon Cycle

3. Photosynthesis: converting light energy into organic compounds
Cellular respiration: breaking down organic compounds to release energy
Combustion: burning of fossil fuels for energy releases CO2
Death and Decomposition: some CO2 is released as decomposers break down the organic material and also fossil fuels can be formed

4. How does this impact the accumulation of biomass in the plant?
Producers
Producers have both mitochondria and chloroplasts which means they can do both cellular respiration and photosynthesis
The plant cell is a model for the carbon cycle
How does this impact the accumulation of biomass in the plant?

5. Gross primary productivity: rate at which producers capture energy and make organic compounds (biomass)
Biomass: the amount of organic material produced
Net primary productivity: the rate at which biomass accumulates (after some is used OR lost)

9. What would happen to our world if plants went extinct?
Plants are autotrophs. They produce food for themselves and other organisms.
Plants use photosynthesis to regulate Earth’s environment by using the CO2 in the atmosphere .
Have students choose one statement to discuss in their groups. Have 2-3 groups share out. Prep for lab while they’re discussing.

12. Human Impact
Excess carbon dioxide can lead to climate change and many species are sensitive to even small changes in the climate and temperature
Excess carbon dioxide carbon dioxide gas is absorbed by the ocean and reacts with seawater to change the pH causing ocean acidification and preventing calcification of marine organisms