Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis

New edition of the authoritative introduction to molecular photosynthesis

The Fourth Edition of Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis delivers a brand-new update to the most authoritative textbook on the subject of photosynthesis, with important new information on timely topics including mechanisms and oxygen production. In addition to thorough coverage of foundational topics in photosynthesis, the book discusses cutting-edge advances in research in this area, including new structures, and improving the efficiency of photosynthesis.

Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of a fulsome appendix that incorporates a detailed introduction to the physical basis of photosynthesis, including thermodynamics, kinetics, and spectroscopy. A companion website offers downloadable figures as PowerPoint slides for instructors.

Written by an expert in the field, Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis includes:

• A thorough introduction to the basic principles of photosynthetic energy storage, photosynthetic organisms and organelles, and the history and early development of photosynthesis
• An expansive discussion of photosynthetic pigments, including their structure and spectroscopy
• Explorations of antenna complexes, energy transfer processes, reaction centers, and electron transport pathways in anoxygenic phototrophs and oxygenic photosynthetic organisms
• Comprehensive treatments of chemiosmotic coupling, ATP synthesis, and carbon metabolism
• Authoritative discussions of the evolution of photosynthesis and artificial photosynthesis

Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis is an ideal reference for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students in a range of disciplines, including life sciences, chemistry, and physics, as well as more senior scientists. An understanding of basic principles of chemistry, physics, and biology is assumed.

ROBERT E. BLANKENSHIP is Lucille P. Markey Distinguished Professor of Arts and Sciences, Emeritus, Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA. Professor Blankenship was Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Photosynthesis Research and President of the International Society of Photosynthesis Research.