Page 59 - The Manga Guide to Biochemistry

Carbon cycle

Next I’ll explain the carbon cycle in a little more detail.

Umm, carbon...? I know we’ve talked a little about it, but I still don't understand
what it is.

No problem! Nemoto, can you review some basic facts about carbon for Kumi?

Sure. Carbon is one of the most important chemical elements to living
creatures like us.

Carbon is at the center of amino acids, which are the building blocks of
proteins. It’s also the element that creates the framework of saccharides and
lipids, and it’s a vital part of DNA.

C H2OH

H2N H It's here. HC OH

C COOH CH C
OH H
R It's also C OH
HO C
often here.
H OH
Amino Acid Glucose

HHH H
HCHCHCH
HC You'll even find
HCHCHC
HHH some here.
Fatty Acid
C H COOH

H

You see? C is essential to all of them.

Photosynthesis and Respiration 45