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Multiple Choice

What process allows autotrophs to convert CO2 into biomass?

Carbon fixation is the process by which autotrophs convert CO2 into biomass. In these organisms, CO2 is captured and incorporated into organic molecules through the Calvin cycle, using energy from the light reactions of photosynthesis (ATP and NADPH) to build sugars that become cellular biomass. Nitrogen fixation transforms atmospheric N2 into ammonia, not CO2. Respiration breaks down organic molecules to release energy and CO2, rather than fixing CO2 into biomass. Photosynthesis is the overall process that provides the energy and carbon, with carbon fixation being the specific step that actually incorporates CO2 into organic carbon.

Carbon fixation is the process by which autotrophs convert CO2 into biomass. In these organisms, CO2 is captured and incorporated into organic molecules through the Calvin cycle, using energy from the light reactions of photosynthesis (ATP and NADPH) to build sugars that become cellular biomass. Nitrogen fixation transforms atmospheric N2 into ammonia, not CO2. Respiration breaks down organic molecules to release energy and CO2, rather than fixing CO2 into biomass. Photosynthesis is the overall process that provides the energy and carbon, with carbon fixation being the specific step that actually incorporates CO2 into organic carbon.