In which process do cyanobacteria engage to obtain energy?

Cyanobacteria primarily obtain energy through photosynthesis, a process that allows them to convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. This occurs as they utilize carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

The significance of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria lies in their ability to synthesize organic compounds from inorganic materials, much like plants. They contain chlorophyll, which captures light energy and drives the reactions needed for photosynthesis.

Cyanobacteria are among the earliest organisms to perform photosynthesis, significantly contributing to the Earth's oxygen supply and shaping the planet's atmosphere. This ability to photosynthesize not only provides them energy but also plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.