Question

What is the function of the carbon cycle?

Answer 1

Hint: Carbon is one of the most abundant elements present on the Earth. Carbon cycle is the basis for the life prevailing on Earth. Carbon has distinct properties of forming organic molecules and compounds that are useful in the carbon cycle, and hence useful for the environment.

Complete answer:
Carbon is one of the most important elements besides oxygen and nitrogen. The balance between the entire ecosystems is made through the carbon cycle. Carbon cycle holds the importance of utilizing carbon and then exchanging it between the Earth and the atmosphere. Some functions of the carbon cycle that are important are:
-The carbon dioxide present on the Earth can raise the temperature of the Earth to a high extent, this is reduced by the consumption of the $C{O}_2$by the plants. As plants take in $C{O}_2$ and gives out oxygen which is required for us to live.
- The carbon released by the environment, when it reaches the atmosphere helps in trapping harmful radiations and heat from the sun.
- Carbon products when decomposed into the Earth’s surface after their decay becomes a source of fuel to the various industries and daily needs of humans.
- Photosynthesis is an essential process through which plants take up carbon dioxide, and make food, and gives us oxygen for the survival of mankind and living creatures.
The carbon cycle is as follows:

Hence, carbon is an essential part for maintaining the ecosystem and hence life on Earth.

Note:
The property of carbon that enables it to make organic compounds and molecules is called catenation, it is due to the presence of 4 valence electrons present in carbon. This property is used in making essential organic molecules needed for sustaining life, like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, etc.