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Festkörperprobleme 18 pp 33–52Cite as

Solar energy conversion by plant photosynthesis

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Part of the book series: Advances in Solid State Physics ((ASSP,volume 18))

Abstract

Green plants use solar energy to reduce carbon dioxide to carbohydrates. This photosynthesis process functions with a high quantum yield.

The sensitizer molecules are arranged in “antennae”, which transfer the absorbed photon energies to “reaction centers”. At this structure an electron exchange takes place. Since donor and acceptor molecules are arranged on the two opposite planes of a membrane, this charge separation creates a strong electric field. Its energy can be converted to chemical energy. Concurrent with the CO2 reduction molecular oxygen is released. The precursor of this O2 is not yet known.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Chemische Pflanzenphysiologie der Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany

    Helmut Metzner

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  1. Helmut Metzner
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J. Treusch

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© 1978 Friedr. Vieweg & Sohn Verlagsgesellschaft mbH

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Metzner, H. (1978). Solar energy conversion by plant photosynthesis. In: Treusch, J. (eds) Festkörperprobleme 18. Advances in Solid State Physics, vol 18. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/BFb0107776

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BFb0107776

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