Ecological aspects of the distribution of different autotrophic CO2 fixation pathways

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2011 Mar;77(6):1925-36. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02473-10. Epub 2011 Jan 7.

Abstract

Autotrophic CO(2) fixation represents the most important biosynthetic process in biology. Besides the well-known Calvin-Benson cycle, five other totally different autotrophic mechanisms are known today. This minireview discusses the factors determining their distribution. As will be made clear, the observed diversity reflects the variety of the organisms and the ecological niches existing in nature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autotrophic Processes / physiology*
  • Carbon Dioxide / metabolism*
  • Ecology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Photosynthesis / physiology

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide