Question

Given that CO₂ is produced by cellular respiration, why does the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere remain relatively constant? (When answering this question, exclude the impact of human activities on atmospheric CO₂.)A) CO₂ is converted in photosynthesis to carbohydrates.B) CO₂ is split apart during photosynthesis.C) CO₂ mostly forms carbonate rocks.D) CO₂ is trapped in dead organisms' bodies.E) CO₂ is a buffer.

Answer 1

Answer:

A) CO₂ is converted in photosynthesis to carbohydrates.

Explanation:

Photosynthesis is the process wherein the phototrophs such as green plants fix the atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic nutrients (glucose). The oxygen gas is released as a by-product of the process.

During photosynthesis, the splitting of water is driven by solar energy and electron transport during light reactions produces ATP and NADPH. The ATP and NADPH drive the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis wherein the carbon dioxide gas is fixed into glucose.

For the purpose, the green plants absorb the carbon dioxide present in the air through stomata. The absorption of CO2 for photosynthesis keeps the atmospheric levels of the gas relatively constant.