Question

trace the path of a labeled carbon atom through the biological processes of photosynthesis and respiration. The atom will start its journey inside a carbon dioxide molecule and it will end in the air inside a new carbon dioxide molecule. Your mission is to use your knowledge of photosynthesis and respiration to explain what happens to the carbon atom in these processes.

Answer 1

water and CO2 are used to produce glucose in photosynthesis

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

Next the glucose is used in respiration, now the opposite happens:

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

Answer 2

ok thank you for reply bit i still dont get it

Answer 3

on second thought i think i do

Answer 4

nope not a clue

Answer 5

What do you not understand?

Answer 6

why does it reverse it self

Answer 7

well the equation

Answer 8

Because the plant doesn't make glucose for nothing.
When the process reverses, energy is released which is used in various processes in the plant.

Answer 9

ok thank you

Answer 10

You're welcome.
If you still don't understand it, don't hesitate to ask :)

Answer 11

wait so in the begging carbon dioxide is turned into oxygen and from the oxygen it is passed on by light n from light it goes to carbon and then converts to hydrogen then it converts to oxygen and then from carbon dioxide it converts to hydrogen then from that to oxygen then to carbon dioxide again?

Answer 12

No, carbon dioxide is turned into glucose (also water is used in this reaction)
Oxygen is produced in this reaction. Light is necessary for this reaction because it needs energy.

In respiration, glucose and oxygen are used to produce water and carbon dioxide. This reaction releases energy.

Answer 13

so thats the right answer

Answer 14

yes.

Answer 15

ok thank you very much