What process do plants use to sequester carbon?

Plants utilize the process of photosynthesis to sequester carbon. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through their stomata. They then use sunlight, with chlorophyll in their leaves, to convert this CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose produced serves as an energy source for the plant and is also a key building block for growth and development.

In this process, carbon is essentially 'locked away' in the plant's biomass (all the cells making up the plant), effectively reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. This capability of plants to absorb atmospheric CO2 and transform it into organic compounds makes photosynthesis a vital component of the global carbon cycle, playing a significant role in mitigating climate change by acting as a natural carbon sink.

Other processes mentioned, such as respiration, decomposition, and combustion, do not sequester carbon in the same manner. Respiration releases CO2 back into the atmosphere as plants convert stored energy for growth and metabolism. Decomposition involves the breakdown of organic matter, which can release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Combustion refers to the burning of organic materials, which also releases stored carbon as CO2. Therefore, only photosynthesis directly contributes