1. Carbon Cycle
Mrs. Cancasci

2. The Carbon Cycle
Besides water the next most common molecule in living organisms is Carbon.
The exchange of carbon between the environment and living things is called the carbon cycle.
There are 4 main parts of the carbon cycle
Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion

3. Photosynthesis Plants use photosynthesis to make food.
How is this done?
Plants use carbon dioxide from the air, water, and sunlight to make sugars.
6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy = C6H12O6 + 6O2
6 carbon dioxide water sunlight = sugar oxygen

4. Photosynthesis
Plants now have the energy they need. C6H12O6 + 6O2 They release the oxygen back into the air and use/store the sugar, with it’s carbon.
Animals then eat the plants gaining the energy and the carbon in it.

5. Respiration
When sugar molecules are broken down for energy the carbon dioxide and water are released as by products.
C6H12O6 + 6O2 =6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy
This is why animals need oxygen!

6. Decomposition
This is the breaking down of substances into simpler molecular substances.
Fungi and bacteria decompose organic matter-releasing carbon dioxide and water back into the environment.

7. Combustion This is the burning of a substance.
Like decomposition, combustion releases the carbon back into the environment.
Burning wood, coal, oil, natural gas, and gasoline all release carbon dioxide.
Since fossil fuels use to be alive they have stored energy and carbon molecules in that energy!