Explain how carbon from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere becomes part of the body of an animal.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
Plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere.
CO₂ is used in photosynthesis to produce glucose and other carbohydrates.
Animals eat the plants (or other animals that have eaten plants).
The carbon in these organic molecules is incorporated into the animal’s body tissues and cells.
CO₂ is used in photosynthesis to produce glucose and other carbohydrates.
Animals eat the plants (or other animals that have eaten plants).
The carbon in these organic molecules is incorporated into the animal’s body tissues and cells.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘absorb’ for plants taking in CO₂. Mention photosynthesis as the process that converts CO₂ to glucose. Show the transfer of carbon through the food chain. Explain that the carbon becomes part of the animal’s tissues.
Common mistakes
- Confusing plant uptake with animal uptake of CO₂. Forgetting to link photosynthesis to glucose production. Not stating that animals consume the plants. Failing to mention that the carbon becomes part of the animal’s body.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Plants absorb / take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
- Carbon dioxide is used in photosynthesis to make glucose / organic molecules / carbohydrates
- Animals eat / consume the plants (or other animals that have eaten plants)
- Carbon-containing molecules / organic compounds from food are used to build / become part of the animal's body tissues / cells
Key terms in this question
Related
- All Eduqas GCSE Biology revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →