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Leaves on a tree contain carbon compounds. In autumn the leaves fall to the ground. Microorganisms in the soil recycle carbon from the leaves so that the carbon is used for new plant growth. 5 Explain how. __ [4 marks

Question

Leaves on a tree contain carbon compounds.
In autumn the leaves fall to the ground.
Microorganisms in the soil recycle carbon from the leaves so that the carbon is used
for new plant growth.
5
Explain how.
__
[4 marks

Leaves on a tree contain carbon compounds. In autumn the leaves fall to the ground. Microorganisms in the soil recycle carbon from the leaves so that the carbon is used for new plant growth. 5 Explain how. __ [4 marks

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ValerieVeteran · Tutor for 9 years

Answer

The leaves on a tree contain carbon compounds, which are produced through photosynthesis. In autumn, these leaves fall to the ground and decompose due to the action of microorganisms in the soil. These microorganisms break down the carbon compounds, releasing the carbon back into the soil. This carbon is then absorbed by new plants for growth, thus completing the carbon cycle.

Explain

## Step 1: <br />The leaves on a tree contain carbon compounds, which are the result of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll pigments. In this process, carbon dioxide from the air is absorbed by the leaves and used to produce glucose, a type of carbohydrate that stores energy.<br /><br />### The photosynthesis equation is: \(6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\)<br /><br />## Step 2: <br />In autumn, the leaves fall to the ground. Over time, these leaves decompose, a process facilitated by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi in the soil. These microorganisms break down the carbon compounds in the leaves, releasing the carbon back into the soil.<br /><br />## Step 3: <br />The released carbon is then available for new plant growth. Plants absorb this carbon from the soil through their roots in the form of carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide is then used in photosynthesis to create new carbon compounds, thus completing the carbon cycle.<br /><br />### The carbon cycle can be summarized as: \(Photosynthesis \rightarrow Decomposition \rightarrow New Plant Growth\)
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