In what cycles are matter recycled through the biosphere and how does matter cycle between the air and organisms?
Respected Sir
Rk Naresh
Matter is recycled through several key cycles in the biosphere, primarily involving the movement and transformation of elements and compounds necessary for life. The major cycles include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, phosphorus cycle, and water cycle.
Matter cycles between the air and organisms through specific processes in each cycle:
- Carbon Cycle: Organisms take in carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air during photosynthesis to produce sugars and oxygen. This carbon is then passed through the food chain as organisms consume one another. During respiration, organisms release carbon dioxide back into the air.
- Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere is fixed into a usable form such as ammonia (NH3) or nitrates (NO3-) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Plants take up these nitrogen compounds from the soil, and animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals. Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing ammonia back into the soil, which can be reused by plants. Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen.
- Phosphorus Cycle: Phosphorus in the form of phosphate ions (PO4^3-) is absorbed by plants from the soil. Animals obtain phosphorus by consuming plants or other animals. When organisms die, phosphorus is released back into the soil through decomposition. Weathering of rocks also releases phosphate ions into the soil and water.
In summary, these cycles highlight the interconnectedness of biological systems with the physical environment, ensuring the continuous availability and recycling of essential elements and compounds necessary for life.
Rk Naresh Himanshu Tiwari
Matter in the biosphere undergoes recycling through several interconnected cycles, primarily the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and water cycle. In the carbon cycle, carbon moves between the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, converting it into organic compounds. These compounds are then consumed by animals, transferring carbon through the food chain. Upon death and decomposition, carbon returns to the soil as organic matter, where it can be stored or recycled by decomposers. Meanwhile, the nitrogen cycle involves the transformation and circulation of nitrogen between the atmosphere, soil, water bodies, and living organisms. Nitrogen gas (N2) in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia or nitrate by nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil or through lightning in the atmosphere. Plants absorb these nitrogen compounds, incorporating them into proteins and other organic molecules. Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals. Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing nitrogen back into the soil as ammonia, completing the cycle. Additionally, the water cycle facilitates the movement of water between the atmosphere, land, and oceans through processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
The exchange of matter between the air and organisms occurs through various processes within these cycles. In the carbon cycle, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis to produce glucose and other organic compounds, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Animals then consume these organic compounds, incorporating carbon into their tissues. Upon respiration, animals and plants release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, completing the cycle. Similarly, in the nitrogen cycle, nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can utilize, such as ammonia and nitrate. Plants absorb these nitrogen compounds from the soil, incorporating them into proteins and nucleic acids. Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals, incorporating nitrogen into their own tissues. Upon decomposition, nitrogen is returned to the soil as ammonia, where it can be taken up by plants again. Thus, matter cycles between the air and organisms through processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen fixation, and decomposition, sustaining life within the biosphere.
There are several key biogeochemical cycles that constantly loop matter through the biosphere, the living part of our planet. Here are two prominent examples:
1. The Carbon Cycle:
- This cycle hinges on the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
- Plants and some other organisms (producers) absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air during photosynthesis. They use this CO2, along with water and energy from sunlight, to build organic molecules like sugars and starches.
- In turn, cellular respiration, which occurs in all living things, breaks down these organic molecules for energy, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere.
- Decomposers also contribute by breaking down dead organisms and returning carbon to the soil or atmosphere.
2. The Nitrogen Cycle:
- Nitrogen (N) is essential for life, but most organisms cannot directly use atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) because it's very stable.
- Certain bacteria in the soil convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms like ammonia (NH3) through a process called nitrogen fixation.
- Plants absorb these usable nitrogen compounds from the soil to build proteins and nucleic acids.
- Animals get their nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals.
- Decomposers break down dead organisms and waste products, releasing nitrogen back into the soil, some in usable forms and some that needs converting again by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
How matter cycles between air and organisms:
These cycles, and others, connect the air and organisms through the exchange of key elements.
- Photosynthesis is the primary mechanism by which organisms remove carbon dioxide from the air.
- Respiration and decomposition return carbon dioxide back to the atmosphere.
- Nitrogen fixation takes nitrogen gas from the air and makes it available for organisms, while other processes release nitrogen back into the atmosphere.
This continuous exchange ensures a constant flow of matter for life to thrive.
There are several key biogeochemical cycles that constantly loop matter through the biosphere, the living part of our planet. Here are two prominent examples:
1. The Carbon Cycle:
- This cycle hinges on the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
- Plants and some other organisms (producers) absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air during photosynthesis. They use this CO2, along with water and energy from sunlight, to build organic molecules like sugars and starches.
- In turn, cellular respiration, which occurs in all living things, breaks down these organic molecules for energy, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere.
- Decomposers also contribute by breaking down dead organisms and returning carbon to the soil or atmosphere.
2. The Nitrogen Cycle:
- Nitrogen (N) is essential for life, but most organisms cannot directly use atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) because it's very stable.
- Certain bacteria in the soil convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms like ammonia (NH3) through a process called nitrogen fixation.
- Plants absorb these usable nitrogen compounds from the soil to build proteins and nucleic acids.
- Animals get their nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals.
- Decomposers break down dead organisms and waste products, releasing nitrogen back into the soil, some in usable forms and some that needs converting again by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
How matter cycles between air and organisms:
These cycles, and others, connect the air and organisms through the exchange of key elements.
- Photosynthesis is the primary mechanism by which organisms remove carbon dioxide from the air.
- Respiration and decomposition return carbon dioxide back to the atmosphere.
- Nitrogen fixation takes nitrogen gas from the air and makes it available for organisms, while other processes release nitrogen back into the atmosphere.
This continuous exchange ensures a constant flow of matter for life to thrive.
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