What goes around, comes around Biogeochemical cycles and you
Think about it! What elements are you made of? Where did those molecules come from? Where will the elements go when you decompose? Why are biogeochemical cycles important to you?
Biogeochemical cycles Atoms move from biotic to abiotic and back Reservoirs – points at which atoms spend a significant time Processes – transform atoms through stages and states
Water cycle Importance: Maintain homeostasis (temperature, pH) Dissolves solutes Cellular respiration makes energy in your cells Aids in digestion
So what sounds familiar? Processes Precipitation Condensation Evaporation Transpiration Runoff infiltration Locations Ocean Lake Cloud River Grass Deer Human Atmosphere Spring aquifer
Carbon cycle Energy source (carbohydrates) Backbone of organic molecules (carbs, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)
Carbon cycle
Nitrogen cycle Present in all proteins (structural and enzymatic) and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)
Legumes are the stars!
These are legumes, too!
Rhizobium bacteria in nodules on legume roots start the cycle
Phosphorus cycle Present in nucleic acids Critical mineral for bones and teeth
Who cares? You do! Why?