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4.3: Carbon Cycling

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Define "autotroph."


Understanding: Autotrophs convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and other carbon compounds.
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Define "autotroph."


Understanding: Autotrophs convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and other carbon compounds.
An autotroph is *an organism capable of making energy-containing organic molecules from inorganic sources* via photosynthesis (involving light energy) or chemosynthesis (involving chemical energy).
Image: *Define "autotroph."* Understanding: Autotrophs convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and other carbon compounds.
State the molecular formula for carbon dioxide.


Understanding: Autotrophs convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and other carbon compounds.
Carbon dioxide = *CO₂*

One carbon atom with double bonds to two oxygen atoms.
Image: *State the molecular formula for carbon dioxide.* Understanding: Autotrophs convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and other carbon compounds.
State the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle.


Understanding: Autotrophs convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and other carbon compounds.
Autotrophs take in carbon from the atmosphere in the form of CO₂. They then use the carbon atoms from the CO₂ in the process of photosynthesis to make sugars, proteins and lipids for their growth.

Photosynthesis *converts inorganic carbon molecules into organic carbon molecules.*
Image: *State the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle.* Understanding: Autotrophs convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and other carbon compounds.
State the molecular formula for the hydrogen carbonate ion.


Understanding: In aquatic ecosystems carbon is present as dissolved carbon dioxide and hydrogen carbonate ions.
Hydrogen carbonate ion=
Bicarbonate=
HCO₃⁻.
Image: *State the molecular formula for the hydrogen carbonate ion.* Understanding: In aquatic ecosystems carbon is present as dissolved carbon dioxide and hydrogen carbonate ions.
Outline the process that converts carbon dioxide to hydrogen carbonate ion in water.


Understanding: In aquatic ecosystems carbon is present as dissolved carbon dioxide and hydrogen carbonate ions.
CO₂ diffuses into water. Some will remain as a dissolved gas. The remainder will combine with water to form carbonic acid (CO₂ + H₂O ⇄ H₂CO₃)​ which dissociates to form hydrogen and hydrogen carbonate ions (H⁺ and HCO₃⁻).
Image: *Outline the process that converts carbon dioxide to hydrogen carbonate ion in water.* Understanding: In aquatic ecosystems carbon is present as dissolved carbon dioxide and hydrogen carbonate ions.