The Path of Carbon in Photosynthesis

The conversion of light energy into chemical energy in the form of carbohydrate and oxygen in photosynthesis is examined in detail. The historical development of this area of research is described. The kinds of tracer experiments using Carbon-14 which were used in developing initial understandings of the pathways which make up the photosynthesis process are described. The biochemical pathways which make up the photosynthetic process are diagrammed. The organisms used in these experiments (Chlorella) and the rationale for their use are described. 24 references, 23 figures.