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The Carbon DioxideOxygen Cycle

Reading Passage
TEKS 5.9D

Read the following passage. Then answer the questions on the last page.

The carbon dioxideoxygen cycle is the processes that maintains

Earths natural balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen. To understand this
cycle and its significance to living things, it is important to understand two
processes: photosynthesis and respiration.

Photosynthesis
Plants and animals are very different. Animals must consume food to obtain
energy. Plants, algae, and some bacteria are producersthey can make their own
food. Photosynthesis is the process by which organisms use energy from the sun
to make their own food. Simple sugars, such as glucose, are the food that is made.
These sugars contain carbon from the carbon dioxide.
During photosynthesis, plants and other producers get carbon dioxide
from the air or water. Some of this carbon dioxide comes from people and
other animals that release it
when they breathe. Excess
oxygen is released from the
leaves into the air. Plants use
some of the glucose for energy,

Photosynthesis
Sunlight provides
energy for the
process.

Excess oxygen
is released into
the air.

Plants use
carbon dioxide
from the air.

store some to use later, and

use some to build plant parts.
Water is taken
from the soil.

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Grade 5 Supplemental Science Texas

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Respiration
All living things need energy to live and grow. Respiration is the process
by which living things break down nutrients to release stored energy. The energy
released is used for many life processes. During respiration, oxygen is used.
Carbon dioxide and water are given off as waste products.

A Complex and Important Cycle

Why is the carbon dioxideoxygen cycle important? The cycle ensures that
there is always carbon dioxide available for plants to make food. It also ensures
that there is oxygen
for living things to break

Photosynthesis
Water + Carbon Dioxide + Energy

down food to get energy.

Plants, animals, and all

Carbon DioxideOxygen
Cycle

other living things could

Sugar + Oxygen

not survive without

Respiration

one another.
The carbon dioxideoxygen cycle is very complex. It includes all living
and once-living things. Even some nonliving factors contribute to the cycle. For
example, a forest fire uses oxygen and releases carbon dioxide into the air. When
we burn fossil fuels, we release into the atmosphere carbon that was stored by
living things millions of years ago. People must be careful to not upset the
balance that exists in the cycle.

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Grade 5 Supplemental Science Texas

Name ______________________________________ Date _________

The Carbon DioxideOxygen Cycle

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READ AND RES POND

Student Response
Page

Answer these questions after reading the passage.

Use the Venn diagram below to compare and contrast photosynthesis and respiration.
Photosynthesis
Respiration

Both

Complete the table below.

The Carbon DioxideOxygen Cycle
Sources of Oxygen in the Cycle
Users of Oxygen in the Cycle
Sources of Carbon Dioxide in the Cycle
Users of Carbon Dioxide in the Cycle

Why is the carbon dioxideoxygen cycle important for all living things?
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Grade 5 Supplemental Science Texas