Photosynthesis and Climate Change Concepts

Ursula Goodenough discusses the carbon cycle, starting with carbon's formation in stars and its role in the universe. She explains how carbon bonds form, contributing to life's origin, and describes photosynthesis, highlighting RuBisCo's role. The evolution of oxygen and respiration is covered, followed by the carbon cycle's impact on climate change and resource management.

How was carbon initially formed in the universe?

• In the core of young stars

• Through the fusion of hydrogen atoms

• By nucleosynthesis in dying stars

• From the collision of asteroids

What is required for carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bonds to form?

• Presence of life

• Absence of oxygen

• High energy input

• Low temperatures

What is the role of RuBisCo in photosynthesis?

• It captures sunlight

• It splits water molecules

• It fixes carbon dioxide into sugars

• It releases oxygen

Which organisms were the first to use water as an electron source in photosynthesis?

• Cyanobacteria

• Protozoa

• Algae

• Fungi

What was a significant consequence of the rise of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere?

• Formation of the ozone layer

• Decrease in global temperatures

• The oxygen holocaust

• Increased volcanic activity

How did photosynthesis impact the levels of carbon dioxide in the early atmosphere?

• It decreased carbon dioxide levels

• It converted carbon dioxide into methane

• It increased carbon dioxide levels

• It had no impact on carbon dioxide levels

What is the primary role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?

• To fix carbon into organic compounds

• To produce fossil fuels

• To increase atmospheric nitrogen

• To release carbon dioxide

What is a greenhouse gas mentioned in the context of climate change?

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

• Helium

• Carbon dioxide

What is a modern concern regarding the use of petroleum?

• It is abundant and cheap

• It has no impact on the environment

• It is a renewable resource

• It is being burned instead of used for valuable products

What is the consequence of burning fossil fuels on Earth's climate?

• No change in climate

• Decreased global temperatures

• Increased global temperatures

• Stabilization of weather patterns