A chemical reaction in which a carboxyl group (-COOH) is added to an organic molecule.
From carboxyl + -ation (noun suffix for processes). The term became standard in organic chemistry during the 20th century as biochemistry became more systematic.
Carboxylation is how photosynthesis captures carbon dioxide from the air—an enzyme called Rubisco carboxylates a sugar molecule, literally pinning CO₂ to it. This single reaction converts every carbon atom in your body from atmospheric gas into living matter.
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