Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis [Paperback]

Robert E Blankenship (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0632043210 | ISBN-13: 978-0632043217 | Publication Date: February 2002 | Edition: 1

Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis stands as an ideal introduction to this subject. Robert Blankenship, a leading authority in photosynthesis research, offers a modern approach to photosynthesis in this accessible and well-illustrated text. The book provides a concise overview of the basic principles of energy storage and the history of the field, then progresses into more advanced topics such as electron transfer pathways, kinetics, genetic manipulations, and evolution. Throughout, Blankenship includes an interdisciplinary emphasis that makes this book appealing across fields.

• Leading authority in Photosynthesis and the the President of the International Society of Photosynthesis Research.
  
• First authoritative text to enter the market in 10 years.
  
• Stresses an interdisciplinary approach, which appeals to all science students.
  
• Emphasizes the recent advances in molecular structures and mechanisms.
  
• Only text to contain comprehensive coverage of both bacterial and plant photosynthesis.
  
• Includes the latest insights and research on structural information, improved spectroscopic techniques as well as advances in biochemical and genetic methods.
  
• Presents the most extensive treatment of the Origin and evolution of photosynthesis.
  
• Comprehensive appendix, which includes a detailed introduction to the physical basis of photosynthesis, including thermodynamics, kinetics and spectroscopy.
  

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis is an engaging story of some of the cutting edges of science over the past three centuries. You will learn how oxygen was discovered, why plants are green and the sky blue, and how a spectrophotometer works. There were Nobel prizes (total seven, I think) for discoveries in almost every chapter of this book, and probably more to come. Away with academic disciplines. Science at this level is exhilarating, and something everyone should have an opportunity to know and to understand." John F Allen, TRENDS in Plant Science, 2002

"[An] excellent text book. I will have no hesitation in recommending it to my students and colleagues alike." James Barber, TRENDS in Biochemical Sciences 2002

From the Back Cover

This is the long-awaited introduction to photosynthesis, with the emphasis on the molecular level.

Photosynthesis has long been a paradigm for interdisciplinary science, where physicists, chemists and biologists pool their expertise to understand one of the most important and complex natural processes on Earth. This interdisciplinary aspect is emphasized in the book, and selected topics of chemistry, physics, biology and even geology are included.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0632043210
• ISBN-13: 978-0632043217
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #246,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent overview of photosynthesis, September 17, 2005

By 

Damian J. Carrieri (Princeton, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis (Paperback)

as a graduate student with a background in physical chemistry and now working in biophysical chemistry, i found this book to be an excellent overview of photosynthesis. blankenship clearly outlines broad topics to be covered in the first chapter then delves into well-organized detail in subsequent chapters. this book was recommended as a reference by my advisor, but i found it so well written that i read nearly the entire book and bought a copy for my own. i'd recommend this book to anyone intersted in photosynthestic mechanisms at the molecular level (including light harvesting, water oxidation, protein structures, and carbon fixation).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book., July 26, 2008

By 

Jahan Dawlaty "Jahan" (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis (Paperback)

Very well written. It has an impressive historic review of photosynthesis. The last chapter on photosynthesis evolution is also very good. I needed to understand the mechanism of light harvesting and the function of antenna and I got the information from this book in a very concise and readable format. It is a must-have book for anybody working on photosynthesis.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of photosynthesis, May 22, 2011

By 

Abstractist (Ventura, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis (Paperback)

Nice introductory material to general scientific audience. Updated my basic knowledge of photosynthesis but not overwhelmed me with too much biochemistry and plant physiology.