The Carbon Cycle Why is carbon important? Why is carbon important? • Carbon is the main constituent of all living cells (biochemistry, organic chemistry). • Carbon can form long chained-molecules which are the basis for fats, carbohydrates, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and proteins. • Component of fuel (coal and gas). • Use in nanotubes for computers. The Carbon Cycle Learning Objectives: • To correctly label a carbon cycle • To describe the movement of carbon in the carbon cycle • To explain factors which affect the carbon cycle • Respiration glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy) • Photosynthesis carbon dioxide + water (+ light energy) → glucose + oxygen • Combustion Burning of fuel to release carbon dioxide • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFE9oc_pKg The carbon cycle game • You are a carbon atom • Start where you are, but make a note of where it is you’re starting. From here coin tosses decide your fate. • You need to write about your travels on your travel card. Questions to answer • How many times did you visit the atmosphere? • How many different routes did you take? • Most of the carbon in each organism goes toward respiration. Why does the organism need to respire? (You might want to use a text book to look up respiration). • What happens to the carbon atoms in respiration? • Did anyone join or leave the process? What does this tell us about carbon atoms? Extension Complete the practice exam questions Homework: Due Tuesday 26th March Complete the exam questions True or False? Green plants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. True or False? Green plants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. True or False? Combustion removes carbon from the atmosphere. True or False? Combustion removes carbon from the atmosphere. True or False? The largest store of carbon is the atmosphere. True or False? The largest store of carbon is the atmosphere. True or False? Respiration adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. True or False? Respiration adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. True or False? Respiration only occurs in animals. True or False? Respiration only occurs in animals. True or False? Decomposers remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. True or False? Decomposers remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. True or False? Fossil fuels represent a huge (but decreasing) store of carbon. True or False? Fossil fuels represent a huge (but decreasing) store of carbon. True or False? Increasing carbon dioxide may cause global cooling. True or False? Increasing carbon dioxide may cause global cooling. True or False? Energy is transferred from plants to animals to decomposers. True or False? Energy is transferred from plants to animals to decomposers. True or False? Respiration releases energy to the environment in the form of heat. True or False? Respiration releases energy to the environment in the form of heat.
