CO2fixáció

CO2fixatie is the process by which carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is incorporated into organic molecules. This is a crucial step in the carbon cycle, enabling life on Earth as it forms the basis of most food webs. The most well-known form of CO2fixatie is photosynthesis, carried out by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. During photosynthesis, light energy is used to convert CO2 and water into glucose, a sugar molecule, and oxygen. This process occurs in specialized organelles called chloroplasts.

Beyond photosynthesis, CO2fixatie also occurs through chemosynthesis, a process used by certain bacteria and archaea in environments where light is unavailable, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These organisms utilize chemical energy from inorganic compounds to fix CO2. Another significant pathway is carbon fixation by marine phytoplankton, which play a vital role in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels and supporting marine ecosystems.

In industrial and biotechnological contexts, CO2fixatie refers to artificial methods designed to capture and convert CO2 into useful products. This can include chemical processes to produce fuels or materials, or biological approaches using engineered microorganisms. The goal of these artificial methods is often to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and create sustainable resources. Understanding CO2fixatie in its natural and artificial forms is essential for addressing climate change and developing a circular economy.