Some aquatic plants can utilize HCO₃⁻ as a carbon source but must first convert it into CO₂ by using the enzyme

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Carbonic anhydrase is the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) to carbon dioxide (CO₂). This reaction is important for aquatic plants that are able to utilize HCO₃⁻ as a carbon source. Once HCO₃⁻ has been converted into CO₂, the CO₂ can be used in photosynthesis to produce sugars and other organic molecules. Carboxylase and Rubisco are enzymes involved in carbon fixation during photosynthesis, while oxygenase is involved in a process called photorespiration. None of these enzymes are directly involved in the conversion of HCO₃⁻ to CO₂.

Some Aquatic Plants Can Utilize HCO₃⁻ as a Carbon Source