How does photosynthesis affect the carbon cycle?

Photosynthesis absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) and converts it into energy as biomass {CHO}. This is an important part of the carbon cycle as this is the primary step of the food chain and allows the carbon to be consumed and used by other species to grow. Respiration is the opposite process where biomass is consumed and CO2 is produced.

Photosynthesis is often called a carbon sink. It can hold carbon (CO2) for quite awhile preventing CO2 loss to the atmosphere.