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 3–5 sentences, describe the different ways that both photosynthesis and cellular respiration contribute to the carbon cycle.(4 points)
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1 answer
Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration play crucial roles in the carbon cycle. During photosynthesis, plants and some organisms use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. This process helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in plant tissues. On the other hand, cellular respiration takes place in all living organisms, including plants, and involves the breakdown of glucose to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water. This process releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, contributing to the carbon cycle by recycling carbon back into the environment. Overall, photosynthesis helps to reduce the levels of carbon dioxide, while cellular respiration adds it back.