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Biology Question

ForestBrainForestBrain Posts: 460
edited June 2008 in A Moving Train
Hey, is anybody here a scientist/biologist?
I was wondering about something. Do plants need carbon to make oxygen? If so, what kind of carbon do they live off of?
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Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • DopeBeastieDopeBeastie Posts: 2,513
    plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through a complex... extremely complex process known as photosynthesis. they take in light and carbon dioxide (what we all exhale), and split off the carbon, using that to make more leaves (or what have you), and they then let go of the oxygen.

    so, the simple answer, is yes.
  • flywallyflyflywallyfly Posts: 1,453
    I am an expert in the field of Pseudoscience. Pseudosciences have been characterised by the use of vague, exaggerated or untestable claims, over-reliance on confirmation rather than refutation, lack of openness to testing by other experts, and a lack of progress in theory development.

    So back to your question. Plants do indeed need carbon to run the teeny tiny oxygen producing generators contained in each biological cell. The carbon provides the necessary energy to create oxygen, which they exchange to humans in a mutually benefitial bartering trade. I believe the exchange takes place in several hidden flea markets around the world but I have yet been fortunate enough to photograph the event.
  • tybirdtybird Posts: 17,388
    They need carbon in the form of CO2, carbon dioxide. They break down that molecule, and free the two atoms of oxygen (O2), which are returned to the atmosphere. They don't create the oxygen, they free it from a molecule of carbon dioxide.
    All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a thousand enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.
  • ClimberInOzClimberInOz Posts: 216
    Photosynthesis is divided into two types of reactions- light dependent and light independent reactions. The above posts are basically correct except for one small detail...


    The CO2 is not broken down to release the O2. The CO2 is used in carbon fixation to make glucose (C6H12O6) during the light independent reactions. (CO2 is a very stable molecule and difficult to break down- hence our current warming problems)


    The O2 comes from the breaking apart of water molecules, which occurs during the light dependent reactions. These are the reactions that use sunlight to create the molecules ATP and NADPH, which are used during the carbon fixation process mentioned above.


    So in summary light dependent reactions create ATP etc. (and in the process break apart H2O to release O2), and the ATP etc. is used to turn the CO2 into glucose.
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