Isotopic fractionation Photosynthesis is the primary process by which carbon moves from the atmosphere into living things. In photosynthetic pathways is absorbed slightly more easily than , which in turn is more easily absorbed than . The differential uptake of the three carbon isotopes leads to / and / ratios in plants that differ from the ratios in the atmosphere. This effect is known as isotopic fractionation.Bowman (1995), pp. 20–23.Maslin & Swann (2006), p. 246.
isotopic fractionation photosynthesis is the primary process by which carbon moves from the atmosphere into living things in photosynthetic pathways is absorbed slightly more easily than  which in turn is more easily absorbed than  the differential uptake of the three carbon isotopes leads to / and / ratios in plants that differ from the ratios in the atmosphere this effect is known as isotopic fractionationbowman (1995) pp 20–23maslin & swann (2006) p 246