The CNO Cycle

¹²C + ¹H -> ¹³N + energy

¹³N -> ¹³C + positron + neutrino

¹³C + ¹H -> ¹⁴N + energy

¹⁴N + ¹H -> ¹⁵O + energy

¹⁵O -> ¹⁵N + positron + neutrino

¹⁵N + ¹H -> ¹²C + ⁴He

These six steps are termed the CNO cycle. Aside from the radiation and neutrinos produced, notice that the sum total of these six reactions is

¹²C + 4(¹H) -> ¹²C + ⁴He .