Living organisms expel carbon dioxide during respiration. This process occurs in both plants and animals, albeit in different contexts. For animals, cellular respiration involves the breakdown of glucose (derived from food) to produce energy, and carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product. In contrast, plants also perform respiration, but during the day they photosynthesize, consuming carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Although plants release carbon dioxide at night, their overall function helps mitigate atmospheric carbon levels. The balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide between respiration and photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth.