Page 60 - The Manga Guide to Biochemistry
P. 60
You’re right. It looks like we’d be in real trouble without any C. It really is
important!
When carbon leaves an organism’s body, it can bond with two oxygen atoms
to become carbon dioxide (CO2) or bond with four hydrogen atoms to become
methane (CH4).
H
H CH
H
O=C=O
Carbon dioxide Methane
Also, it can accumulate deep underground and, over long periods of time, it will
become crude oil, coal, and, in some cases, even diamonds.
Oil! Diamonds! Wow, carbon is really valuable stuff!
That’s true, but remember: It’s not all about excitement and riches. The
way carbon circulates is extremely important. Disrupting this balance could
make carbon dioxide concentration on Earth steadily increase...
Which would be a serious problem, wouldn’t it?
Oh man, that sounds like it would be a total bummer...
Well, think of it this way: If you can understand the Earth as a single circulating
system and your own body as a system as well, then you’ll realize the impor-
tance of a healthy balance and the dangers of disrupting that balance. This
knowledge can lead to insights into the pursuit of health and beauty!
46 Chapter 2
