Carbon dioxide

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Carbon dioxide is an atmospheric gas composed of one carbon and two oxygen atoms. A very widely known chemical compound, it is frequently called by its formula CO2.

Related Topics:
Gas - Carbon - Oxygen - Chemical compound

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Carbon dioxide results from the combustion of organic matter if sufficient amounts of oxygen are present. It is also produced by various microorganisms from fermentation and cellular respiration. Plants utilize carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, using both the carbon and the oxygen to construct carbohydrates. In addition, plants also release oxygen to the atmosphere which is subsequently used for respiration by heterotrophic organisms, forming a cycle. It is present in the Earth's atmosphere at a low concentration and acts as a greenhouse gas. It is a major component of the carbon cycle.

Related Topics:
Combustion - Organic matter - Microorganism - Fermentation - Cellular respiration - Plant - Photosynthesis - Carbohydrate - Heterotrophic - Earth's atmosphere - Greenhouse gas - Carbon cycle

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