Hi guys, I'm Chris and today I'm going to explain how the Carbon Cycle works. If you don't know already, the carbon cycle is a nature's way of reusing carbon atoms throughout various processes. Since you guys now know what the Carbon cycle is, let's dive into the details.

Step 1: Photosynthesis

CO2

O2

Glucose

(C6H12O6)

Water

The first process that the carbon atoms go through is Photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide that is present in Earth's atmosphere is used by plants for photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants produce glucose (C6H12O6).  Plants use nitrates (from soil) and glucose to make amino acids, which are then made into proteins by plants. Plants also produce lipids. Glucose, proteins and lipids contain carbon. Therefore,  the carbon atoms travel from the atmosphere to plants via Photosynthesis.

Step 2: Consumption

The next process in the carbon cycle is Consumption. This process begins with plants being consumed by animals and humans to get energy. Animals that are lower in the food chain are consumed by animals that are higher in the food chain. Therefore,  carbon atoms present in the form of macromolecules  (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) in plants travel from plants to animals via Consumption.

Step 3: Decomposition

The next process in the carbon cycle is Decomposition. Once the plants and animals die, their dead remains that consist of carbon macromolecules are decomposed by bacteria or fungi. As a part of decomposition carbon dioxide gets released to atmosphere. A portion of organic matter in plants and animals is transferred to the soil when they die. Therefore, carbon atoms travel back from plants and animals to atmosphere and soil via Decomposition. Dead remains of plants and animals that remain deep buried under layers of sediments become fossil fuels due to heat and pressure exposure over millions of years.

Continuing on, the next process is Extraction. Fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are extracted via mining by Humans. Once extracted, they are refined so that they can be used in industries & vehicles. Therefore the carbon atoms present in fossil fuels travel to industries & vehicles via Extraction. 

Step 4: Extraction

The final process that the carbon atoms go through is Combustion. Combustion is the process during which humans burn fossil fuels to get energy for industries & vehicles. During combustion, the carbon atoms are released back to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide.  Therefore the carbon atoms that are present in fossil fuels and burnt in industries & vehicles, travel back to the atmosphere via Combustion. Burning of fossil fuels emits large amount of carbon dioxide which results in air pollution, which is harmful to the environment and may influence climate change.

Step 5: Combustion

I hope you had a great time learning about the Carbon cycle. I hope to see you next time. Bye!!!