Question

(microbiology) explain in detail all of the steps of the carbon cycle starting with its presence in the atmosphere, identifying all of the reseevoirs it passes througg in the completion of the cycle. include in the explanation the essenrial roles of microbes in the conversion of carbon as it moves through the cycle. describe the actual and potential consequences of disruptioj of the cycle as you have described it, paying particular attentioj to microbiological aspects of these disruptions.

Answer 1

Carbon cycle refers to the cycling of carbon through the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem. The different steps involved in Carbon cycle along with the important role played by the microbes in carbon cycling and conversion are as followed:-

• Atmosphere is the reservoir of carbon dioxide gases and that is why this cycle is referred as gaseous cycle.
• carbon from the atmosphere is utilized by the plant in the process of photosynthesis to produce food and is converted into glucose. This food or carbon is utilized in forming the various building block like carbohydrates proteins, fats etc un the plants.
• when plants are eaten by animals they get transferred into their body and helps in the building of the animals various biochemical elements like protein fats carbohydrates etc.
• After the death of plant's and animals the decomposer i.e.. the microorganisms will help in breaking down of these complex biomolecules to simple free ionic forms and the carbon molecules will be returned back to the soil as well as atmosphere from where it can be utilized in various other ways.
• over the time with the help of some bacteria and prevailing heat and pressure these decomposed carbon will be converted into fossil fuels like coal petroleum, natural gas etc.
• Burning if these fossil fuels will release these carbon molecules in the form of carbon dioxide carbon monoxide back into the atmosphere. CO2 is also added in the atmosphere by the process of respiration by the plants, and animals in which they take oxygen and release CO2
• Atmospheric carbon molecules also get dissolved in water bodies, where they are utilized by calcareous animals to form their shell. And here also, the carbon will get deposited as sediments and various minerals and rock will be formed. on the bottom of sea floor also fossil fuels formation will take place. and this cycles goes on round and round.

There will be a big damage if this cycle is disrupted as we can see and feel in today's world. The rising earths temperature and global warming is because of the increased production of CO2 and less utilization or recycling from the atmosphere as we don't have enough trees and plants to fix the atmospheric carbon dioxide. Moreover, when the useful microorganisms will not ne present nutrient cycling will be hampered. Mineral formation and fossil fuels formation will also be damaged. Thus, the disruption of carbon cycle will lead to disbalance in nature leaving the world and ecosystem in danger.