Question

Which of the following explains the role of plants in the carbon cycle?*

Answer 1

Answer:

Plants transfer carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to carbohydrates in the biosphere.

Explanation:

Plants are unique organisms being that they have the unique ability to manufacture their own food via the process of PHOTOSYNTHESIS. Hence, they are called AUTOTROPHIC. Photosynthesis is the metabolic process by which plant cells make sugar (glucose) in the presence of sunlight.

However, in the photosynthetic process, plants require inorganic source of carbon called CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) and water to perform the process. The chemical overall reaction of photosynthesis is as follows:

6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2

This explains the role of plants in the carbon cycle as they help transfer carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere to carbohydrates in the biosphere (living organisms).