The article highlights the central role of the enzyme RuBisCO in the process of photosynthesis, being fundamental for carbon fixation in plants. RuBisCO, known formally as ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, is essential for the biosphere as it converts carbon dioxide into organic matter, thereby influencing primary production and the food chain. However, despite its significance, RuBisCO is criticized for its inefficiency since it can mistakenly bind to oxygen rather than carbon dioxide, leading to a process called photorespiration which is energetically costly for plants.

This inefficiency poses a paradox in the biological and geochemical understanding of plant life on Earth; it raises questions about how such a seemingly inefficient enzyme has become predominant across various plant species. Researchers from different fields – including biology, geosciences, and climatology – have been intrigued by this phenomenon for decades, seeking to uncover the evolutionary pressures and ecological contexts that have allowed RuBisCO to flourish despite its shortcomings.

The article suggests that understanding RuBisCO's evolutionary history and its geochemical implications can provide insights into photosynthetic efficiency and its impact on climate stability. Investigating rhizoliths, which are geological formations that provide evidence of past soil conditions and plant productivity, may reveal significant geochemical records that reflect photosynthetic performance over geological timescales, thus bridging the gap between fundamental biological processes and their broader environmental effects.