photosynthesis

Researchers Identify Photosynthetic Dimmer Switch

harminka — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:37:23 -0500

In a study of the molecular mechanisms by which plants protect themselves from oxidation damage should they absorb too much sunlight during photosynthesis, a team of researchers has discovered a molecular “dimmer switch” that helps control the flow of solar energy moving through the system of light harvesting proteins.

Scientists synthesise stable catalyst for water oxidation

harminka — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:01:03 -0500

Jülich scientists have made an important step on the long road to artificially mimicking photosynthesis. They were able to synthesise a stable inorganic metal oxide cluster, which enables the fast and effective oxidation of water to oxygen. This is reported by the German high-impact journal "Angewandte Chemie" in a publication rated as a VIP ("very important paper").

Novel bacterium lives in colorful microbial mats within hot springs

harminka — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:25:09 -0500

In the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park, a team of researchers partially funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) discovered a new bacterium that transforms light into chemical energy.

Scientists offer new view of photosynthesis

harminka — Fri, 04 May 2007 07:22:41 -0500

During the remarkable cascade of events of photosynthesis, plants approach the pinnacle of stinginess by scavenging nearly every photon of available light energy to produce food. Yet after many years of careful research into its exact mechanisms, some key questions remain about this fundamental biological process that supports all life on earth.

Quantum Secrets of Photosynthesis Revealed at University of California, Berkeley

Anastvatz — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:47:59 -0500

Through photosynthesis, green plants and cyanobacteria are able to transfer sunlight energy to molecular reaction centers for conversion into chemical energy with nearly 100-percent efficiency. Speed is the key - the transfer of the solar energy takes place almost instantaneously so little energy is wasted as heat. How photosynthesis achieves this near instantaneous energy transfer is a long-standing mystery that may have finally been solved.

NASA predicts nongreen plants on other planets

harminka — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 13:23:44 -0500

NASA scientists believe they have found a way to predict the color of plants on planets in other solar systems.

All roads lead to GUN1

harminka — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:07:59 -0500

Scientists have identified three different signals that indicate damage to chloroplasts- the photosynthetic factories of plant cells that give plants their green color -but little is known about how the signal gets passed on to the nucleus.

a clam that acts like plant deep in ocean

harminka — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 10:35:40 -0600