Balance of Oxygen in Earth: Plants Role

In summary, photosynthesis and respiration play a crucial role in maintaining the oxygen balance on Earth. While plants produce and use the same amount of oxygen, not all of the sugars produced from photosynthesis are used for respiration, allowing for the production of plant tissues. Additionally, photosynthesis and respiration are not directly linked and can vary depending on light availability. In aquatic environments, the absence of photosynthesis at night can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels, which can harm fish. Plants also take in and give back the same amount of water during photosynthesis and respiration. When a seed grows into a plant, the plant's materials come from the surrounding environment through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
  • #1
Allen_Wolf
48
4
In equation of photosynthesis were see 6 O2 is produced
In equation of respiration we see that 6 O2 is used.
But if plants produce and take back the same amount of O2 then how is the balance of oxygen in Earth maintained?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Not all the sugars that the plants produce from photosynthesis are used for respiration. These sugars are the building blocks for producing most of the tissues of the plant.
 
  • Like
Likes Pepper Mint
  • #3
Plants do more photosynthesis than respiration when light is present and less when light is absent. They are not in a linked a one-to-one relationship.

You can have an aquarium with green water (lots of suspended algae) and some fish.
During the day, the water has a lot of oxygen due to the photosynthesis of the many algae cells in the water and everyone is happy.
However, at night, no photosynthesis is occurring, but the algae cells still have to use oxygen for respiration. This can deplete the dissolved oxygen in the water which can, in extreme case cause the death of the fish.
 
  • #4
And one more thing. Plants take 6H2O and give back 6H2O. Are the plants just giving out the water they took in during photosynthesis or making and giving back water. (During respiration )?
 
  • #5
Allen_Wolf said:
And one more thing. Plants take 6H2O and give back 6H2O. Are the plants just giving out the water they took in during photosynthesis or making and giving back water. (During respiration )?

A seed will eventually grow into a plant. Consider conservation of matter. What are the main materials that compose the plant? Where do those materials come from?
 

1. How do plants contribute to the balance of oxygen on Earth?

Plants use a process called photosynthesis to produce oxygen. Through photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and water and use sunlight to convert these substances into oxygen and glucose. This oxygen is then released into the atmosphere, contributing to the balance of oxygen on Earth.

2. What happens if there is an imbalance of oxygen on Earth?

If there is an imbalance of oxygen on Earth, it can have serious consequences for both plants and animals. Too much oxygen can lead to increased risk of fires, while too little oxygen can lead to decreased plant growth and potential harm to animal populations.

3. How does the balance of oxygen affect the Earth's climate?

The balance of oxygen on Earth plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. Oxygen is a key component of the Earth's atmosphere, and any changes in its levels can affect the amount of heat trapped in the atmosphere, which in turn impacts the Earth's temperature and weather patterns.

4. Can human activities affect the balance of oxygen on Earth?

Yes, human activities such as deforestation and burning of fossil fuels can have a significant impact on the balance of oxygen on Earth. Deforestation decreases the amount of plants available to produce oxygen, while burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which can disrupt the balance of gases in the atmosphere.

5. What can we do to maintain a healthy balance of oxygen on Earth?

To maintain a healthy balance of oxygen on Earth, we can take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and support efforts to plant and protect trees. Additionally, supporting sustainable practices and reducing air pollution can also help to maintain the balance of oxygen on Earth.

Similar threads

Carbon dioxide & oxygen balance
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
5K
Automotive Loss of gaseous volume because of fuel combustion
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
202
Using matrices to balance chemical equations
    • Chemistry
Replies
11
Views
1K
Understanding Autotrophs: Do Plants Use Oxygen and CO2? | Explained
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
7
Views
7K
Can comets create a microclimate crater on Mars 30km deep with 0.7bars?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
2
Replies
47
Views
3K
I Nuclear power plant vs coal power plant efficiency
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
32
Views
732
Aging: mitochondrial damage and aging
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
856
Just add poison: Bacteria outperform plants in efficiency
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
2K
Automotive Ozone Enhanced Combustion of Water/Diesel Emulsion in CI Engines
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
1K
Oxygenating a 'primordial' atmosphere...
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
4
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top