Question

What happens to a carbon atom during photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Photosynthesis:

\(\sf\Large 6CO_2+6H_2O ~~\underrightarrow{sunlight}~C_6H_{12}O_6+6O_2\)

Answer 2

Alright, now what happens during the transition between photosynthesis and respiration with a carbon atom?

Answer 3

Well respiration is just the opposite. The glucose that is produced in photosynthesis is broken down into water, carbon dioxide and energy

Answer 4

So \(\sf\Large C_6H_{12}O_6+6O_2 ~\rightarrow~6CO_2+6H_2O ~(+energy) \)

Answer 5

Oh, so would the carbon atom going through fermentation be in any way the same? Or what would it be?

Answer 6

In fermentation, the sugar is converted into acid/alcohol.
Like this:
\(\Large\sf C_6H_{12}O_6 → 2 C_2H_5OH + 2 CO_2\)

C2H5OH = ethanol