Plants recycle carbon during photosynthesis by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through tiny openings in their leaves called stomata. Using sunlight as an energy source, they convert CO2 and water into glucose (a form of sugar) and oxygen (O2) through a series of chemical reactions. The overall process can be summarized by the equation:
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
In this process, carbon is incorporated into organic molecules (like glucose), which can then be used by the plant for energy, growth, and development. When plants die or decompose, the carbon stored in them can be released back into the atmosphere or soil, continuing the carbon cycle. Therefore, plants play a crucial role in recycling carbon in the ecosystem.
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