Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the Biology STAAR Test. Improve your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the role of plants in the carbon-oxygen cycle?

Releasing water
Consuming carbon dioxide
Generating oxygen and glucose
Both B and C

The correct answer is: Both B and C

Plants play a crucial role in the carbon-oxygen cycle primarily through photosynthesis. During this process, they consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and, using sunlight, convert it into glucose while releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This transformation is essential for maintaining the balance of gases in the atmosphere and supports life on Earth. By consuming carbon dioxide, plants help to reduce the amount of this greenhouse gas, thereby mitigating climate change. At the same time, the oxygen they generate is vital for the respiration of most living organisms, which depend on oxygen for energy production. In summary, plants are not only responsible for consuming carbon dioxide but also for generating glucose, which serves as a primary energy source for many organisms, along with releasing oxygen that supports aerobic life. This combined function highlights their importance in the carbon-oxygen cycle, which is effectively encapsulated in the correct choice.