B1.6.2 The carbon cycle

Question 1

What is the carbon cycle?

Answer 1

It is the constant cycling of carbon atoms between the non-living (atmosphere) and living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms)

Question 2

In the carbon cycle what organisms remove carbon dioxide from the environment?
What is this process called?

Answer 2

• Green plants and algae

- Photosynthesis.

Question 3

What molecules do plants make that contain carbon?

3 marks

Answer 3

carbohydrates, fats and proteins

Question 4

What do plants use carbohydrates, fats and proteins for?

Answer 4

To make up the cells of the plants.

Question 5

During which process does carbon become carbon dioxide and is released into the atmosphere?

Answer 5

During respiration

Question 6

How does the carbon in green plants and algae end up in the cells of animals?

Answer 6

When the green plants and algae are eaten by animals and these animals are eaten by other animals, some of the carbon becomes part of the fats and proteins that make up their bodies

Question 7

How is the carbon locked up in the dead bodies of plants and animals returned to the environment?

Answer 7

When plants, algae and animals die, some animals and microorganisms feed on their bodies