The carbon cycle
- process through which carbon is cycled through the air, ground, plants, animals, and fossil fuels
- large amounts of carbon exist in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) and
- is constantly being removed from and released into the environment thus CO2 concentration remains relatively constant


Removal of CO2 from the environment
1. carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed by the green plants to synthesis carbohydrates(glucose)

2. glucose may be changed to other organic compunds lik fats, amino acids, proteins

3. this carbon compound then become part of the bodies of those animals who feed on the freen plants

4. some carcass or dead plants may not decay immediately and the carbon compound is preserved as fossil fuel


Release of CO2 into the environment
Carbon dioxide is released through:

1) Decay - When a green plant dies, the carbohydrates are usually broken down by fungi or bacteria, which are decomposers. The Fungi and bacteria undergo respiration, which allows them to release the carbon back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide

2) Respiration - carbon compounds are broken down in the bodies and carbon dioxide is released into the environment when living organisms respire

3) Combustion - carbon compound preserved in fossile fuels are broken down when burnt and carbon dioxide is released into the environment



carbon cycle