Carbon Cycle

Carbon is one of the main elements found in all organic molecules. They are found in all 4 -pheres of the Earth (Bio, Hydro, Geo, Atmo).

1. Photosynthesis: Microscopic organisms (e.g. cyanobacteria) capture CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matters (e.g. glucose) through photosynthesis.

2. Respiration: Microbes, and plants and animals, undergoes respiration (broken down Glucose and consume Oxygen) and release CO2 back into the atmosphere.

3. Decomposition: Microbes (fungi and bacteria) can break down organic matters to gain energy, which release carbon as CO2 from organic matters.

4. Carbon Sequestration: Certain microbes helps capture CO2 from the atmosphere and stabilise and store them as organic matters in the soil.

5. Methane Production and Comsumption: Certain microbes are involved in the production and consumption of CH4 (methane), a powerful greenhouse gas.
   1. Methanogenetic archea produce methane in anaerobic environments as a byproduct of their metabolism.
   2. Methane-oxidizing bacteria consume methane to gain energy and release CO2 back into the atmosphere.