Guides: BIOL 1710: Biology for Science Majors I: Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis

Chloroplasts in spinach cell, Credit: Odra Noel, CC BY-NC

This section is about the biochemical process in plants that converts light energy into carbon products. The chloroplast is the site of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis in the News

New Light Shone On Photosynthesis
Was the evolution of photosystem II an important step in the development of photosynthesis? An Arizona State University team reports their lab results in this 2012 article from ScienceDaily.com
News in Brief: Melting Arctic may make algae flourish
Researchers report the growth of more alga in the Arctic in this 2013 article from ScienceNews.org.
Study Recalibrates Trees Carbon Uptake
A 2011 study estimates that trees photosynthesize more slowly than previously thought, which affects global warming predictions. An article from ScienceNews.org.

Photosynthesis in Media

Photosynthesis: Crash Course Biology #8
Crazy Hank Green gives an amusing explanation of both the light-dependent and -independent reactions of photosynthesis in this 13:15 minute YouTube video.
Light Dependent Reactions
Find out what the reactions have to do with putting children in a closet (!) in this 6:35 minute YouTube video from brightstorm2.
Photosynthesis (Light Reactions)
Use your textbook along with this animation to get the gist of the light reactions. A 5:03 minute YouTube video from NDSU Virtual Cell.
The Calvin Cycle
A 2:30 minute animation of the Calvin Cycle (light-independent reaction) from Fairfax Biology.

From Nature Education Scitable

Concept: Photosynthetic Cells
A straightforward explanation of photosynthesis with excellent diagrams from Nature Education.
Why Are Cells Powered by Proton Gradients?
Could proton gradients be related to the origin of life? Find out how in this 2010 article by Dr. Nick Lane.

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BIOL 1710: Biology for Science Majors I: Photosynthesis