Final answer:
The gas carbon dioxide is used by plants during photosynthesis and released during cellular respiration. Plants absorb carbon dioxide to make glucose and release it when breaking down glucose for energy. The carbon cycle highlights the interchange of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and living organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gas carbon dioxide is taken up by plants during photosynthesis and released during respiration. During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide, along with sunlight and water, to make glucose, a process that also releases oxygen as a byproduct. The Calvin cycle refers to the reactions within photosynthesis that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. On the other hand, cellular respiration is the metabolic process by which cells obtain energy. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen to produce energy, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Both plants and animals perform cellular respiration to break down glucose and release the stored energy.
Furthermore, the carbon cycle illustrates how carbon dioxide is essential to life on Earth. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration balance the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere. Plants play a significant role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and, through photosynthesis, turning it into organic carbon, which contributes to their biomass. Conversely, both plants and animals contribute to atmospheric carbon dioxide through the process of cellular respiration. Human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation influence the carbon cycle, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and contributing to global warming.