Photosynthesis is the set of light-driven biochemical processes by which phototrophic organisms convert electromagnetic energy into chemical energy, primarily storing it in carbohydrates synthesized from inorganic carbon. In oxygenic photosynthesis, chlorophyll-based reaction centers (photosystems I and II) located in thylakoid membranes couple photon absorption to charge separation, driving linear electron transport from water to NADP⁺, generating O₂, NADPH, and a proton motive force used for ATP synthesis via photophosphorylation. The resulting ATP and NADPH fuel the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle, which fixes CO₂ into organic molecules, integrating tightly regulated metabolic, redox, and signaling networks that respond to cellular and environmental conditions.
A newly discovered pathway in a plant process could help farmers grow more successful crops, particularly in places where harsh, high light stresses plants.
Cell & Microbiology
Jul 18, 2025
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30
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have solved a long-standing mystery involving the first steps of photosynthesis, the fundamental process in which ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 16, 2025
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23
Sucrose is a vital energy source in plants. It also drives growth and serves as an important signaling molecule during stress and development. Sucrose is a key product of photosynthesis and the primary form of sugar used ...
Biotechnology
Jul 15, 2025
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21
Researchers have developed a new formula to allow urban farmers to design their own "light recipe"—a combination of different colors of lighting that could help increase crop yields in vertical farms.
Biotechnology
Jul 15, 2025
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25
A new tool allows researchers to probe the metabolic processes occurring within the leaves, stems, and roots of a key citrus crop, the clementine. The big picture goal of this research is to improve the yields, flavor and ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Jul 14, 2025
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95
When sunlight hits clouds or other atmospheric particles, it scatters and becomes diffuse light. Unlike direct sunlight, diffuse light can reach deeper into shaded plant canopies, where plants have dense, layered leaves. ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 14, 2025
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21
Plant phototropism—directional growth in response to light—serves as a key adaptive mechanism, optimizing photosynthesis and development. Central to this process is phototropin 1 (phot1), a primary blue light photoreceptor ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 11, 2025
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25
Photosystem II (PSII) is the only biological machine capable of splitting water into oxygen using sunlight. It plays a fundamental role in global oxygen production and solar energy conversion. However, PSII is highly prone ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 8, 2025
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35
A set of breakthroughs from scientists at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is offering a new understanding of how energy flows through one of nature's most important molecular ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 8, 2025
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44
During photosynthesis, an enzyme called rubisco catalyzes a key reaction—the incorporation of carbon dioxide into organic compounds to create sugars. However, rubisco, which is believed to be the most abundant enzyme on Earth, ...
Biotechnology
Jul 7, 2025
1
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