The carbon cycle. Principles and meaning

In the biosphere of our planet there are many complex processes caused by the life activity of organisms, human influence and evolutionary changes occurring in the depth of the interior and in the depths of the oceans. The main one is the carbon cycle. Without it, life on earth is impossible.

By and large, the carbon cycle is a global mechanism responsible for the assimilation and release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere . The assimilation of carbon is known to us all as photosynthesis, and plants respond to this part. The release / return of carbon dioxide takes place through its exhalation by living organisms, the work of industrial plants and decomposition processes

The scheme of the carbon cycle will allow more complete representation of this process, consisting of two stages:

• The assimilation of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) by plants, microscopic living organisms and the subsequent conversion of it into more complex basic compounds (fats, carbohydrates, proteins).
• The return of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere through the breathing of living beings and other ways.

However, the carbon cycle is a more complex process. So, after the death of organisms, some of them are processed by bacteria and actually returns to the atmosphere in a relatively short time. But some of the remains turn into a dead organic mass.

It is these remains of organic matter that will be transformed in a few hundred years, and eventually turn into coal, oil or peat. These fossils will be used by man for various purposes, and carbon from them will be returned to the atmosphere.

Separately, I want to dwell on the process of returning CO ₂ to the carbon cycle.

Fats. Splitting fats of different origin is possible due to the participation in this process of microorganisms possessing enzymes aimed at cleavage of this compound. As a result, glycerol and higher fatty acids are formed. Glycerin decomposes into pyruvic acid (PVC). It, depending on the conditions, will turn into water, acid or alcohol, and a carbon molecule will be released into the air.

Carbohydrates. These substances are the main carriers of fiber, which Is absorbed and processed only by certain microorganisms. In the process of its processing, glucose is formed, which is oxidized almost all kinds of fungi and bacteria. As a result, glucose will be split into water and carbon dioxide. This is not the only option. The oxidation process can lead to the formation of methane, but with the mandatory release of carbon.

In connection with the fact that all processes are not the same in terms of their timing, two types of cycling of this substance are distinguished in the biosphere:

• Geological (formation of minerals) - can be estimated in thousands and millions of years.
• Biological (death and decay of plants and animals) is a very active process, which can take from several days to several years.

Of course, the description presented here is very superficial and does not reflect the whole essence of the chemical and other processes, thanks to which the carbon cycle is supported on the planet.