Balance of Oxygen in Earth: Plants Role

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the balance of oxygen on Earth and the role of plants in this process, particularly focusing on photosynthesis and respiration. Participants explore the implications of these processes for oxygen production and consumption, as well as the broader context of plant growth and material composition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that while photosynthesis produces 6 O2, respiration uses 6 O2, raising questions about how oxygen balance is maintained.
  • Another participant argues that not all sugars produced by plants during photosynthesis are used for respiration, suggesting that some contribute to plant tissue growth.
  • A participant explains that plants perform more photosynthesis than respiration during daylight, and less at night, indicating a non-linear relationship between the two processes.
  • One participant provides an example of an aquarium scenario where oxygen levels fluctuate due to the balance of photosynthesis and respiration by algae, illustrating potential consequences for aquatic life.
  • Another participant questions whether the water produced during respiration is simply the water taken in during photosynthesis or if it is newly created, linking this to the conservation of matter in plant growth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration, with no consensus on how oxygen balance is maintained or the specifics of water production in plants.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of the interactions between photosynthesis, respiration, and plant growth, indicating that assumptions about these processes may vary and that definitions of terms like "balance" and "production" may need clarification.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying plant biology, ecology, or environmental science, as well as individuals curious about the dynamics of oxygen in ecosystems.

Allen_Wolf
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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?
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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 )?
 
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?
 

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