How are cellular respiration and photosynthesis part of the carbon cycle?

Question

Isaac Ayoub · Accepted Answer

Respiration and photosynthesis are the two major parts of the carbon cycle. Respiration produces #CO2# carbon dioxide. Photosynthesis takes #CO2# out of the atmosphere.

Respiration takes place in almost all living things (some bacteria get their energy from the break down of sulfur compounds in deep ocean vents.) In respiration glucose sugar # C6H12O6# is broken down into 6 Carbon Dioxides (#CO2#) and 6 Waters (#H2O#) Respiration is an oxidation reaction producing energy. The respiration equation requires 6 oxygen molecules (#O2#) This energy is usually used to produce ATP The complete equation is 1 #C6H12O6# + 6 #O2# == 6 #CO2# + 6 #H2O# Photosynthesis is a reaction that occurs only in green plants; it is an endothermic reaction that needs solar energy to proceed. Simply put, photosynthesis is respiration's exact opposite. Take the respiration equation and flip it around. 6 #CO2# + 6 #H2O# === 6 #O2# + 1 #C6H12O6# Carbon dioxide is created during respiration, and photosynthesis uses this gas to create glucose, a carbon compound. (Note: Although oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis, it is essential to nearly all forms of life, including those of plants and animals.)

Eliana Andrade · Answer

undefined Cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as a byproduct, while photosynthesis takes in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and incorporates it into organic molecules. This exchange of carbon dioxide between these two processes helps regulate the carbon cycle.