Carbon Cycle
Carbon Cycle
The Carbon Cycle (pronunciation: /ˈkɑːrbən ˈsaɪkəl/) is a fundamental concept in Biology and Earth Science that describes the continuous movement of Carbon in the Earth and its atmosphere.
Etymology
The term "Carbon Cycle" is derived from the Latin word carbo, meaning "coal", and the Greek word kyklos, meaning "circle" or "wheel". It refers to the cyclical nature of carbon's journey within the Earth's systems.
Definition
The Carbon Cycle is the series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment. This includes the incorporation of carbon dioxide into living tissue by Photosynthesis and its return to the atmosphere through Respiration, the decay of dead organisms, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Processes Involved
The Carbon Cycle involves several key processes, including:
- Photosynthesis: This is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the aid of chlorophyll pigments. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose, a type of sugar.
- Respiration: This is the process by which organisms convert glucose back into carbon dioxide, which is then released back into the atmosphere.
- Decomposition: When organisms die, their bodies decompose, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere or into the soil.
- Combustion: This is the process of burning, during which carbon in fossil fuels is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carbon Cycle
- Wikipedia's article - Carbon Cycle
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