Photosynthesis at the forefront of a sustainable life

Abstract

The development of a sustainable bio-based economy has drawn much attention in recent years, and research to find smart solutions to the many inherent challenges has intensified. In nature, perhaps the best example of an authentic sustainable system is oxygenic photosynthesis. The biochemistry of this intricate process is empowered by solar radiation influx and performed by hierarchically organized complexes composed by photoreceptors, inorganic catalysts, and enzymes which define specific niches for optimizing light-to-energy conversion. The success of this process relies on its capability to exploit the almost inexhaustible reservoirs of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to transform photonic energy into chemical energy such as stored in adenosine triphosphate. Oxygenic photosynthesis is responsible for most of the oxygen, fossil fuels, and biomass on our planet. So, even after a few billion years of evolution, this process unceasingly supports life on earth, and probably soon also in outer-space, and inspires the development of enabling technologies for a sustainable global economy and ecosystem. The following review covers some of the major milestones reached in photosynthesis research, each reflecting lasting routes of innovation in agriculture, environmental protection, and clean energy production.

Enhancing C3 photosynthesis: an outlook on feasible interventions for crop improvement

“…Besides, the conversion efficiency of intercepted light into biomass could also be improved by checking the uneven light distribution through development of plants with ideal and apt canopy architecture depending on the plant species and its growing environment (Janssen et al, 2014). Better light penetration across the canopy minimizes efficiency losses associated with saturated light conditions.…”

“…Better light penetration across the canopy minimizes efficiency losses associated with saturated light conditions. Breeding and genetic engineering of plants leading to erect leaves and dwarf phenotypes provide effective light distribution and simultaneously reduce stem investment and lodging losses and thus is a fitting approach (Janssen et al, 2014). For example, canopy structure in which the topmost leaves are vertically inclined improves light distribution within the canopy and thereby enhances the efficiency of photosynthesis (Long et al, 2006b), an approach that has led to enhanced yield in super hybrid rice .…”

Development of Preservice Biology Teachers’ Skills in the Causal Process Concerning Photosynthesis

“…Considering the present-day effects of global climate change and the existence of people who still experience problems of scarcity and hunger, the importance of entrapping atmospheric carbon dioxide becomes even greater. It can be said that photosynthesis is the most effective cycle and sustainable natural process known in nature (Janssen, Lambreva, Plumere, Bartolucci, Antonacci, Buonasera, Frese, Scognamiglio & Rea, 2014).…”

Chlorophyll fluorescence induction and relaxation system for the continuous monitoring of photosynthetic capacity in photobioreactors

“…Photosynthesis is the most important biological process transforming the sunlight energy into the energy of chemical bonds in plants, algae and photosynthetic bacteria. Nowadays, photosynthesis is considered as an important source of sustainable biofuels and valuable products to support global economic growth and reduce CO 2 emissions (Robertson et al , Janssen et al ). The potential of microalgal biotechnology is broadly recognized due to the efficient utilization of solar energy and the ability to accumulate lipids, proteins, a wide range of metabolites and to produce hydrogen gas (Melis et al , Skjånes et al , Dubini and Antal ).…”