Biology B1: Energy in Biomass - The Carbon Cycle

- Materials are CONSTANTLY CYCLED through the environment. One of the most important of these is CARBON.

- The main MOLECULES that make up our bodies (carbohydrates, fats and DNA) are based on CARBON ATOMS (combined with other elements).

- There is a FIXED AMOUNT of CARBON in the earth.

- Some CARBON is locked up in FOSSIL FUELS (coal, oil & gas). This is only released when we BURN it.

- Large amounts of CARBON are combined with other elements in CARBONATE ROCKS (limestone and chalk).

- CARBON is in the air in the form of CARBON DIOXIDE

- CARBON is also found DISSOLVED in WATER in rivers, lakes and oceans.

- Small amounts of CARBON are cycled between LIVING ORGANISMS and the ENVIRONMENT

- GREEN PLANTS and ALGAE remove CARBON DIOXIDE from the atmosphere through PHOTOSYNTHESIS.

- Plants use CARBON from CARBON DIOXIDE to make CARBOHYDRATES, PROTEINS and FATS.

- This makes up the plant's BIOMASS

- The CARBON is passed on to ANIMALS who EAT the plant who use the CARBON to make CARBOHYDRATES, PROTEINS and FATS for their bodies.

- CARBON DIOXIDE  +  WATER (+light energy)  ---->  GLUCOSE  +  OXYGEN

- All living organisms RESPIRE

- OXYGEN is used to break down GLUCOSE to provide ENERGY for cells.

- CARBON DIOXIDE is produced as a WASTE PRODUCT in animals. This is how CARBON is returned to the atmosphere.

- When plants and animals DIE, their bodies are BROKEN DOWN by DECOMPOSERS.

- DECOMPOSERS are organisms such as BACTERIA, FUNGI and MAGGOTS

- Animals which feed on decaying organic material are called DETRITUS FEEDERS.

- DETRITUS FEEDERS are organisms such as WOODLICE and WORMS.

- CARBON is released into the atmosphere as CARBON DIOXIDE when these organisms RESPIRE. This CARBON is then available to be taken in by plants.

- When we BURN Fossil Fuels, CARBON DIOXIDE is produced, so we release some of that CARBON back into the atmosphere.

 - FOSSIL FUEL or WOOD   +   OXYGEN  ----->  CARBON DIOXIDE   +   WATER