The paths taken by carbon atoms through this cycle are extremely complex, and may take millions of years to come full circle.
Carbon is known to be the basis of all organic molecules. It is a greenhouse gas that makes up our genetic material (DNA, RNA and protein) which is very important for life. It is a major element in our body that has the ability to bond with almost any molecule.
The Carbon cycle is the process for which carbon is cycle through the air, plants animals, fossil fuel and ground. It is usually though of as four major reservoirs interacting by pathways of exchange. According to statistics, large amount of carbon is given off into the atmosphere forming into carbon dioxide (Co2). Carbon dioxide is then cycle by green plants forming into a well known process called photosynthesis which produces organic molecules. It is the great natural recycler of the carbon atoms.
In Oceans photosynthesis is carried out by microscopic aquatic plants called phytoplankton. After this is done the carbohydrates then becomes the foundation for a system of chemical energy that fuel living cells in plants and animals. In the ocean extremely large amounts of carbon sinks to the ocean floor to be burn into the crust of the earth. In consumers, carbon dioxide reenters the air through respiration, as food molecules are broken down for energy and Co2 and other byproducts are emitted.
In the carbon cycle plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere along with water they get from the soil to make the substance they need in order to grow. Without the proper functioning of the carbon cycle every aspect of life could change dramatically. It is very vital to know and understand the importance of its working functions.
In accordance with the Carbon cycle website at various times in the history of the earth, different parts of the earth have had different levels of importance and the amount held in sinks and movements between them has varied enormously.
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