Biochemical Cycle
Biosphere​: ​The ​biosphere​ is a global ecosystem composed of living organisms
(biota) and the abiotic (nonliving) factors from which they derive energy and nutrients.
● Lithosphere - Lower/Upper Mantle, Crust.
● Atmosphere - The gases surrounding the earth.
● Hydrosphere - All of the waters on the earth’s surface.
Carbon Cycle:​ ​The series of processes by which carbon compounds are
exchanged in the environment, involving the incorporation of carbon dioxide into
living tissue by photosynthesis and its return to the atmosphere through
respiration(Plants), the decay of dead organisms, and the burning of fossil fuels
produces Carbon. (Carbon = Building block of life)
The Greenhouse Effect:​ ​The greenhouse effect is a process that occurs
when gases in Earth's atmosphere trap in the Sun's heat. This process makes
Earth much warmer than it would be without an atmosphere. The greenhouse
effect is one of the things that makes Earth a comfortable place to live. If left
unchecked the greenhouse effect can have the opposite outcome.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Water Vapor (H2O gas)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
1. Solar Radiation reaches the earth’s ATMOSPHERE. Some is reflected back into
space.
2. The rest of the Solar Radiation is absorbed by the Lithosphere and Hydrosphere.
3. Heat radiates from the earth towards space.
4. Some of this heat is trapped by the GREENHOUSE GASSES keeping the earth
warm enough to sustain life.
5. Human activities (Pollution) increase GREENHOUSE GASSES in the
ATMOSPHERE.
6. This traps more heat than necessary and increases the earth's temperature.
Photosynthesis:​ ​the process by which green plants and some other organisms
use sunlight to make foods from carbon dioxide and water. Photosynthesis in plants
generally creates oxygen as a byproduct.
6CO2 + 6H2O + Solar Energy > C6H12O6(glucose) + 6O2(oxygen)
Cellular Respiration: ​During cellular respiration, cells use oxygen and glucose to
make energy. This releases Carbon Dioxide back into the environment.
6O2(oxygen) + C6H12O6(glucose) > 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy
Ingestion:​ Animals eat other animals or plants and absorb the Carbon they need to
grow.
Decomposition:​ The breakdown of organic matter(living tissues). CO2 and
CH4(methane) are released into the atmosphere.