New plant photosynthesis discovery could revolutionize renewable energy production.
Plant photosynthesis involves a complex process where light energy is converted into chemical energy. Scientists studied the photosystem I (PSI) in plants to understand how this conversion happens. By using special materials with fewer chlorophylls, they were able to observe the initial steps of energy transfer and electron movement in the PSI reaction center. They found that energy and electron transfer are closely linked, and the process is very fast. The researchers also looked at how electrons move from one molecule to another, measuring the rate of transfer. By comparing natural and artificial molecules, they discovered that plants have evolved to use the most efficient molecules for photosynthesis. This study provides valuable insights into the fundamental processes of plant photosynthesis.