Photosynthesis, Photorespiration, and Plant Productivity provides a basis for understanding the main factors concerned with regulating plant productivity in plant communities. The book describes photosynthesis and other processes that affect the productivity of plants from the standpoint of enzyme chemistry, chloroplasts, leaf cells, and single leaves. Comprised of nine chapters, the book covers the biochemical and photochemical aspects of photosynthesis; respiration associated with photosynthetic tissues; and photosynthesis and plant productivity in single leaves and in stands. It provides illustrated and diagrammatic discussion and presents the concepts in outlined form to help readers understand the concepts efficiently. Moreover, this book explores the rates of enzymatic reactions and the detailed structure and function of chloroplasts and other organelles and their variability. It explains the mechanism of photosynthetic electron transport and phosphorylation and the importance of diffusive resistances to carbon dioxide assimilation, especially the role of stomata. It also discusses the importance of dark respiration in diminishing productivity; the differences in net photosynthesis that occur between many species and varieties; and the influence of climate to photosynthetic reactions. The book is an excellent reference for teachers, as well as undergraduate and graduate students in biology, plant physiology, and agriculture. Research professionals working on the disciplines of plant production and food supply will also find this book invaluable.

The bibi iograp hy includes papers in a l I fields of photosynthesis research - from stu dies of model biochemical and biophysical systems of t he photosynt hes is mechanism to primary prod ucti on studied by t he so-ca Ile d growth analysis . In addition to papers devoted enti rel y to photosynth es is, papers on other topics are inc luded if t hey con t ai n data on photosynthetic activity, photorespiration, chloroplast structure, chlo rophylland carotenoid synthesi s and destruction, eta., or if they conta in valuable methodological information (measurement of selected environmentaI factars, leaf area, eta.) . In many branches it has been difficult to defi ne th e limits of int erest for photosynthesis researchers. This problem has arisen e. g. in topics deal ing with t he transfer of gases, where - in addition to t he papers on ca rbon dioxide transfe r - so me pape rs on water vapour transfer are included, these being of general appl icat ion or bringing new approaches . On th e other hand, m any papers deal ing wit h the anatomy and phys io logy of stomata have been omitted, if the aspect of ca rbon dioxide or water vapour exchange has not been discussed.

It is generally accepted that photosynthesis, whereby solar is transformed into geobiochemical energy, is one of the most important processes in the bio sphere. When we realize that the human population, most of which is starving, wi I I double in 20-30 years, and that photosynthesis is in practice the only source (direct or indirect) of food not only for men, but for al I I iving beings, its im portance becomes even plainer. This fact was recognized from the outset of the International Biological Programme, when photosynthesis was selected as one of the principal problems to be concentrated on. The significance of the IBP in initiating a broader-based ap proach and worldwide collaboration need not be emphasized here; it is merely ne cessary to consider the rapid increase in the number of papers on photosynthesis since its inception. It is of fundamental importance for scientists working on photosynthesis to get information on what has been done in recent years in this discipl ine. Thus as complete as possible a bibl iography is badly needed. The complexity of this pro blem requires also that the progress of ecology, chemistry and physics, as far as they concern photosynthesis, be fol lowed. Such a bib I iography, covering at least the last ten years, wi I I be indispensable for final synthesis of the results of the IBP photosynthetic programme.

“Photosynthesis: Plastid Biology, Energy Conversion and Carbon Assimilation” was conceived as a comprehensive treatment touching on most of the processes important for photosynthesis. Most of the chapters provide a broad coverage that, it is hoped, will be accessible to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers looking to broaden their knowledge of photosynthesis. For biologists, biochemists, and biophysicists, this volume will provide quick background understanding for the breadth of issues in photosynthesis that are important in research and instructional settings. This volume will be of interest to advanced undergraduates in plant biology, and plant biochemistry and to graduate students and instructors wanting a single reference volume on the latest understanding of the critical components of photosynthesis.

The bibl iography includes papers in all fields of photosynthesis research - from studies of model biochemical and biophysical systems of the photosynthetic mecha~ nism to primary production studied by the so-cal led growth analysis. In addition to papers devoted entirely to photosynthesis, papers on other topics are included if they contain data on photosynthetic activity, photorespiration, chloroplast structure, chlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis and destruction, etc., or if they contain valuable methodological information (measurement of selected environmental factors, leaf area, etc.). In many branches it has been difficult to define the I i mits of interest for photosynthesis researchers. This problem has arisen e. g. in to pics deal ing with the tranfer of gases, where - in addition to the papers on carbon dioxide transfer - some papers on water vapour transfer are included, these being of general appl ication or bringing new approaches. On the other hand, many papers deal ing with the anatomy and physiology of stomata have been omitted, if the aspect of carbon dioxide or water vapour exchange has not been discussed. This volume contains references to papers publ ished in the year 1982, and simi larly to preceding volumes also addenda including references publ ished in the preceding period (i. e. 1966 to 1981). The numbers of the additional references are labelled with an asterisk (*) in the I ist of references.

The bib I iography includes papers in alI fields of photosynthesis researc- from studies of model biochemical and biophysical systems of the photosynthesis mechanism to primary production studied so-cal led growth analysis. In addition to papers devoted entirely to photosynthesis, papers on other topics are included if they contain data on photosynthetic activity, photorespiration, chloroplast structure, chlorophyl I and carotenoid synthesis and destruction, etc. , or if they contain valuable methodological information (measurement of selected environmental factors, leaf area, etc. ). In many branches it has been very difficult to define the I imits of interest for photosynthesis researchers. This problem has arisen e. g. in topics dealing with the transport of gases, where - in addition to the papers on C0 transfer- some papers on water vapour transfer are included, these 2 being of general application. On the other hand, many papers dealing with the anatomy and physiology of stomata have been omitted, if the aspect of carbon dioxide or water vapour exchange has not been discussed. To maximize the value of the bibliography the references are arranged alpha betically by author's names, and each volume is provided with three indexes. The authors' index to this volume contains alI names of authors, co-authors and editors. The subject index covers only primary items chosen according to their inter est for photosynthesis researchers. In this volume its preparation was based on the paper titles, key words and abstracts.

Sunlight helps a plant make its own food using photosynthesis. But do you know what happens to a plant when there is no sunlight? Or what part of a plant makes food? Let's experiment to find out! Simple step-by-step instructions help readers explore science concepts and analyze information.

This book uses an array of different approaches to describe photosynthesis, ranging from the subjectivity of human perception to the mathematical rigour of quantum electrodynamics. This interdisciplinary work draws from fields as diverse as astronomy, agriculture, classical and quantum optics, and biology in order to explain the working principles of photosynthesis in plants and cyanobacteria.