• HOME
• ABOUT
• ARCHIVES

Photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy coming from sunlight into chemical energy by living organisms. In plants, the raw materials are carbon dioxide and water, the source is the sun, and the end-products are oxygen and different kinds of carbohydrates. Not only plants go through this process but also phytoplankton, algae, certain bacteria, and photosynthetic organisms.

Photosynthesis produce triose phosphates from light energy and carbon dioxide. Also called G3P, it is considered as the prime end-product of photosynthesis. It is used as an immediate food nutrient or combined and rearranged to form simple sugars.

Photosynthesis occurs in two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions. The former capture light energy to make high-energy molecules. The other process utilize the high-energy molecules to capture carbon dioxide.

Organisms that are able to synthesize food directly from inorganic compounds using light energy are called photoautotrophs. Plants absorb light using chlorophyll, the primary reason most plants have a green color.

Research regarding photosynthesis has been extensive. Jan van Helmont began the research in the mid 1600s. Joseph Priestley and Jan Ingenhousz had congruent researches with regards to air circulation and plants. Jean Senebier demonstrated in 1796 that green plants consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen under the influence of light.

Nicolas-Theodore de Saussure showcased the relation of water in the photosynthesis process. Robert Hill also conducted a similar research in the 1930s. Sameul Ruben and Martin Kamen used radioactive isotopes to arrive at the same conclusion.

Cornelis Van Niel made key discoveries that explained the chemistry of photosynthesis. Melvin Calvin, Andrew Benson, and James Bassham illustrated the path of carbon assimilation or the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle in plants.

 

© Sciencetips 2008