Plant - Photosynthesis, Chloroplasts, Light: Photosynthesis is the autotrophic mode of nutrition for plants. It occurs in chloroplasts and consists of light and dark reactions. Chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids constitute the principal light-absorbing complex. Plants use either the C-3 cycle, the C-4 cycle, an intermediate C3 and C4 cycle, or CAM. As the major enzyme of all photosynthetic cells, Rubisco is the most abundant protein on Earth.
Photosynthesis - Evolution of the process: Although life and the quality of the atmosphere today depend on photosynthesis, it is likely that green plants evolved long after the first living cells. When Earth was young, electrical storms and solar radiation probably provided the energy for the synthesis of complex molecules from abundant simpler ones, such as water, ammonia, and methane. The first living cells probably evolved from these complex molecules (see life: Production of polymers ...
Of course, all this plant development does not occur in a vacuum—the plant depends on outside factors to grow. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, providing the necessary fuel for growth. During photosynthesis, plants absorb light and use it to transform water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds that power the plant cells. Plants require water for nutrient absorption and cellular processes ...
Plant - Photosynthesis, Reproduction, Evolution: Plants (kingdom Plantae) are all multicellular and eukaryotic, and most can convert the energy of sunlight into chemical energy by means of photosynthesis; they are autotrophic and store their excess food as starch. Nonvascular plants (bryophytes) lack specialized vascular tissue for internal water and food conduction and support; they do not possess true roots, stems, or leaves.