« Back to Glossary Index

Carbon dioxide is a gas represented by the symbol CO2.  It is composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms.

It is produced by the oxidation of carbon which occurs in cells from the process know as cellular respirations or when carbon is burned or fermented.  It is used by plants in photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates. Photosynthesis uses the carbon atom and releases the two O2atoms back into the atmosphere.

« Back to Glossary Index