# Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere by a number of processes. Describe how carbon atoms that are present in atmospheric carbon dioxide can become part of the body of an animal.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 6.2 The principle of material cycling · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Plants (or other producers) absorb/take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis
2. Carbon dioxide is used to make organic molecules / glucose / sugars / carbohydrates in the plant
3. An animal eats / feeds on the plant (or another animal that has eaten a plant)
4. The organic molecules are digested / broken down and the carbon is used to build the animal's own tissues / body materials

## Key terms

- [carbon dioxide](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carbon-dioxide)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/carbon-dioxide-is-released-into-the-da36cba2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.