A fellow student is studying the differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The student asks you to explain how cellular respiration uniquely contributes to the carbon cycle. In 3 sentences, describe the different ways that both photosynthesis and cellular respiration contribute to the carbon cycle

Answer 1

Photosynthesis contributes to the carbon cycle by converting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic compounds, such as glucose, through the process of photosynthesis. These organic compounds serve as a source of energy and carbon for organisms. On the other hand, cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as a byproduct of breaking down organic compounds to produce energy. So, while photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide and stores carbon, cellular respiration releases that stored carbon back into the atmosphere, completing the carbon cycle.