The Importance of Carbon

What is the primary function of the carbon cycle?

recycling the supply of carbon on Earth

Look at the levels of carbon dioxide in the data table below. By how much did carbon dioxide levels increase from 1980 to 2000?

32 ppm

Which reason best explains why living things need carbon?

Carbon is a source of energy.

What happens when humans burn fossil fuels?

Carbon is released into the atmosphere.

Which statement best illustrates why carbon is so important to living things?

Carbon-based macromolecules are found in all life forms.

What would most likely happen to life on Earth if the carbon cycle stopped?

Life would cease to exist.

The chemical formula for the major component of palm kernel oil is CH3(CH2)14CO2H. The chemical formula for the carbohydrate glucose is C6H12O6. Which statement best describes these macromolecules as foods?

Palm kernel oil would provide more energy than glucose because it contains more carbon bonds, which release energy when broken.

The table below shows the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere for a period of 50 years. What conclusion can you make about how the carbon dioxide level has changed over time?

The level of CO2 has risen.

What is stored in carbon bonds?

energy

Which pair of molecules both contain carbon atoms?

fats and proteins