Chapter 24.1, Problem 7LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The movement of carbon through the environment is to be described.

Concept introduction: The process through which plants convert energy from the sun, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen is called photosynthesis.

Answer to Problem 7LC

Plants use carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to produce oxygen and glucose, which they need to function. Animals use the oxygen produced by the plants and exhale carbon dioxide, which ultimately returns to the plants through the carbon cycle.

Explanation of Solution

During the process of photosynthesis, plants use the carbon dioxide that is present in the atmosphere to react with the energy that comes from sunlight. This leads to the production of oxygen and glucose, which are needed by organisms to do their functions.

Animals rely on the oxygen that plants produce to function properly. When animals breathe and pass gas, they emit carbon dioxide, which is a product of their breathing, the digestion of food, and other bodily processes. After that, it gets cycled and returns to plants through the carbon cycle.

Conclusion

Plants use carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to produce oxygen and glucose, which they need to function. Animals use the oxygen produced by the plants and exhale carbon dioxide, which ultimately returns to the plants through the carbon cycle.