Representative Diagram of the Carbon Cycle

A) Representative diagram of the carbon cycle

CARBON CYCLE

B) A brief explanation of each step of the process

Through photosynthesis, plants transform atmospheric CO2, or water, into organic matter (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids), from which the living beings feed through the food chains, where it becomes part of the Body of these living beings.

Then the Carbon is returned to the environment:

- Through the breathing process: During breathing, animals and plants consume organic matter and return CO2 to the atmosphere or water.

- By combustion processes: Carbon is incorporated into the atmosphere through combustion processes that are generated in forest fires, volcanic activity and the use of oil, natural gas or coal, in industrial, transportation and domestic activities.

- By decomposition: The remains of animals and plants are decomposed by bacteria. In this process, the CO2 is released to the atmosphere or water, where it is used again by plants.

C) Symbolic representation of the chemical reactions of the carbon cycle.

Methane:

CH 4 + 2 O 2 → CO2 + 2H 2 O

Propane

C3H8 + 5O2 -----: 3CO2 + 4H2O

Butane:

C4 H 10+ 13/2 O2 ———> 4 CO2 + 5 H2O

Photosynthesis:

6CO2 + 6H2 + energía (sunlight) ------> C6H12O6 + 6O2

Breathing:

C6H12O6 (organic material) + 6O2 --------> 6CO2 + 6H2 + Energy