Light-gathering and carbon assimilation processes in photosynthesis; their adaptive modifications and significance for agriculture

The nature of the photosynthetic process is of great intrinsic interest, because it is fundamental to the growth of all green plants. This article reviews recent research in the mechanism of photosynthesis, with special reference to the ways in which it is regulated by prevailing conditions of light and temperature. From this, some important deductions are made about basic principles of breeding new strains of agricultural crops with enhanced potential for energy conversion.