In any ecosystem, plants synthesise organic compounds from atmospheric or aquatic carbon dioxide
Plants use carbon dioxide from the air or water to build organic molecules, such as sugars. This process makes plants the entry point for carbon and energy in every ecosystem.
Formula
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Real World
The Amazon rainforest absorbs roughly 2 billion tonnes of atmospheric CO₂ per year, with trees fixing that carbon into sugars and cellulose that form the forest's vast biomass.
Exam Focus
Use 'fix' or 'synthesise' carbon dioxide into organic molecules — avoid vague phrasing like 'take in' or 'absorb'.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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