Carbon Cycling Lab

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are considered opposite processes; many of the products of one are the ingredients for the other.

During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen.

During cellular respiration, plant and animal cells take in oxygen and use it to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Cellular Respiration Image

C6H12O6 (Glucose)
+
6O2 (Oxygen)
-->
6CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
+
6H2O (Water)
+
Energy

The two processes are the major components of the carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle which helps maintain constant levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere.

Before performing the lab, watch the following video to review the cycling of matter and the flow of energy between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

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