Carbon-Oxygen Cycle

The carbon-oxygen cycles are independent of each other, but are very closely connected as well as interdependent on each other. The following article will cover information that will help you understand the carbon-oxygen cycle process in short.

Life on planet Earth continues due to the presence of organic as well as inorganic nutrients present in the nature. It is very important for the nutrients to be continuously recycled. If this does happen, all the nutrients in the world will get extinguished completely. No nutrients means no life on the Earth. So, in order for the life cycle of every living being, unicellular or multicellular organism, recycling of the nutrients is very important. One of the important cycles is carbon-oxygen cycle process.

Carbon-Oxygen Cycle Process

The carbon-oxygen cycles are actually two independent cycles. However, both these cycles are interconnected as well as interdependent on each other to some extent. There are four processes involved in the completion of the carbon-oxygen cycle. These process are discussed in the following paragraphs: Photosynthesis Plants undergo photosynthesis that helps them produce energy and food for themselves. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO 2) and absorb water (H2O) with the help of their roots. The chlorophyll present in the leaves and the energy from the sun, helps convert CO 2 and H2O into O2, sugar and water vapor. Oxygen (O2) is released by the plants as bi-product into the atmosphere.

Formula for Photosynthesis CO2 + H2O + Light ----------> (CH2O) + O2 The carbon dioxide from air and water from the soil is taken in by the plants and in presence of light (energy) is converted into carbohydrates and oxygen as a biproduct. Respiration Just as plants carry out photosynthesis, animals carry out respiration. Respiration occurs when animals take in oxygen from the air along with simple sugars from their food. This helps in release of carbon dioxide, water and energy from the animal body. During cellular respiration, animals require O 2 during inhalation. When they exhale the waste product of cellular respiration, they release CO 2 into the atmosphere again. Formula for Respiration (CH2O) + O2 ----------> CO2 + H2O + Energy The carbohydrates taken up from food like plants or carbon based compounds along with oxygen are converted to carbon dioxide released into the air along with water and energy during respiration. Combustion Combustion is a process of burning that occurs naturally in the nature. For example, volcanic eruptions are natural combustion processes where carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere due to burning. Nowadays, there are many environmental pollutants that cause an increase in the amount of CO 2 in the air. These include cars, factories, burning of wood, coal, nuclear energy, gas, etc. This irresponsible combustion and release of excessive carbon dioxide and other harmful gases in the environment is the major contributing factor for global warming, today. Decomposition After the death of any living organism, that is, unicellular or multicellular organism, it is decomposed. This decomposition means insects, fungi and bacteria, together called decomposers, help in breaking down the cellular components of the dead organism into its basic elements. These elements include water, calcium, nitrogen, carbon and oxygen. Thus, decomposers help in release of oxygen and carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as their metabolic waste products.

The carbon-oxygen cycle can be summarized in the following words. Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. This oxygen released is taken up by animals who release carbon dioxide after carrying out respiration. Thus, the recycling of carbon and oxygen in the atmosphere will continue as long as respiration and photosynthesis occur. This also proves, to sustain of life, plants are very important as they are the major contributors to the amount of oxygen present in the atmosphere. Although both cycles occur independently, they are in a small way interconnected to each other.