Fig. 1: Establishment of yeast as an autotrophic organism that can convert CO₂ and light into chemicals.

A By engulfing a cyanobacterium into yeast there was established a synthetic chloroplast that can convert CO₂ and light into glucose. The formed glucose can be used by the cells to make more yeast cells, i.e. biomass. Part of the glucose can also be recruited for biosynthesis of valuable chemicals, e.g. terpenes. B The yeast/cyanobacterium chimera can be used more widely for conversion of CO₂ and light into a wide range of products, i.e. fuels, chemicals, foods, materials and pharmaceuticals.