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Photosynthesis > Research Links
Chapter 7, Photosynthesis, described the plant- and bacterial-mediated biochemistry
of the incorporation of inorganic carbon into organic molecules, which can then be used
by life as an energy source. The following sites provide study material on the biochemical
pathways. Review in detail some of the processes and physical and chemical properties of
light and photosynthesis. Describe some of the history of the elucidation of the
photosynthetic pathways.
7.1 What Is Photosynthesis?
Melvin Calvin
Calvin was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1961 for his work on the elucidation
of the biochemical pathways in photosynthesis. His work culminated in a description of
the carbon-fixing cycle that bears his name. This Nobel article describes his life and
also gives his acceptance speech in a separate link.
Keywords: Melvin Calvin, photosynthesis, Calvin cycle, history
Photosynthesis Center
The Photosynthesis Center includes a variety of links to educational and research sites
on photosynthesis. Follow the "Photosynthesis and the Web" link for a terrific article
on finding photosynthesis resources on the Internet.
Keywords: photosynthesis, education, research
Chloroplast Structure
This site, from John Kimball's Biology Pages, describes the internal and external
structure of the chloroplast, the light-harvesting organelle of plant cells. Follow
the links on the page to review the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis.
Keywords: photosynthesis, chloroplast structure, organelle
7.2 How Does Chlorophyll Capture Light Energy?
Dual Nature of Light
This essay, at the Nobel Foundation e-museum, describes the wave-particle nature of light
which is essential for the harvesting of energy by photosynthetic pigments. The article
also contains an excellent short history of research on light energy.
Keywords: light energy, photosynthesis, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll
Light Reactions
This site, at MIT, describes in detail the biochemistry of the light reactions in
photosynthesis, from the absorption of a photon to the production of ATP. Links within
the page lead to descriptions of the photosynthetic apparatus and the other important
pathways.
Keywords: photosynthesis, light reactions, photosystems
7.3 The Photosynthetic Reaction Centers
Capturing Light Energy
This site describes the physical and chemical reactions that occur in the different
energy-harvesting pigments of photosynthesis. Follow the links to the individual
pigment systems to compare the differences between pigments and photosystems.
Keywords: photosynthesis, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll
ATP Synthase
This site lists many links on the structure and function of ATP synthase, the final
electron acceptor in photosynthetic oxidative phosphorylation. Follow the
"Nanomolecular rotor" links for a fascinating application of biochemical motors
in mechanical engineering.
Keywords: ATP synthase, photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation
7.4 The Calvin Cycle
Calvin Cycle
This site describes the ATP-consuming synthetic pathways of photosynthesis. Download
the CHIME plug-in to view the molecular structures of the chemicals involved in the
Calvin cycle. Several links also lead to descriptions of the different molecules and
reaction pathways involved.
Keywords: photosynthesis, Calvin cycle, dark reactions
Rubisco
Rubisco, often described as the most abundant organic molecule on the planet, is central
to the photosynthetic process. This article describes the activation, inhibition, and
regulation of rubisco, responsible for the fixation of carbon dioxide.
Keywords: photosynthesis, Calvin cycle, rubisco
Alternate Photosynthetic Pathways
This article describes the alternate C4 and CAM photosynthetic pathways, including
CHIME depictions of the major molecules involved. Follow the links at the bottom of
the page for more study material on the photosynthetic process.
Keywords: photosynthesis, CAM, C4
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2003
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