On the fact that fungi use carbon dioxide as a carbon source

Organisms in the world have their own needs. The carbon source is also the thing on which the growth and reproduction of organisms depend. As the saying goes, there are different ways for organisms to ingest carbon sources, and the fact that fungi use carbon dioxide as a carbon source is worth exploring.

Considering common sense, fungi are mostly heterotrophs and rely on external organic carbon sources for survival. If they belong to carbohydrates and proteins, they can provide their growth and metabolism energy. However, it is also surprising that some fungi can use carbon dioxide as a carbon source. This extraordinary phenomenon has opened up a new way for biological metabolism research.

The mechanism is due to the special enzyme system and metabolic pathway in fungi. Those with enzymes can catalyze the fixation of carbon dioxide and integrate it into the path of biosynthesis. Or there is a mechanism like the Calvin cycle, which converts carbon dioxide into available carbides, and then participates in the growth and development of fungi.

Looking at its environment, in a specific niche, or the organic carbon source is scarce, but carbon dioxide is abundant. At this time, fungi that can use carbon dioxide as a carbon source have the advantage of survival. It can expand the place where other organisms are difficult to survive and maintain the continuation of the population.

And this phenomenon is also important in the carbon cycle of the ecosystem. Fungi participate in the fixation of carbon dioxide, slowing its accumulation in the atmosphere and helping the balance of the ecosystem. Or it has potential uses in carbon emission reduction and environmental restoration.

However, the research on fungi using carbon dioxide as a carbon source is still in its infancy. Many details, such as the regulation of special genes and the precise analysis of metabolic flow, are waiting for scholars to explore in depth. Hopefully future research will clarify this mystery and contribute to the development of biological science and environmental improvement.