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Photosynthesis May Rely On Quantum Effect

Posted by kdawson on from the good-exitations dept.

forgethistory sends us to PhysOrg for a summary of new research suggesting that the near instantaneous energy transfer achieved by photosynthesis may rely on quantum effects. From the article: "Through photosynthesis, green plants and cyanobacteria are able to transfer sunlight energy to molecular reaction centers for conversion into chemical energy with nearly 100-percent efficiency. Speed is the key — the transfer of the solar energy takes place almost instantaneously so little energy is wasted as heat. How photosynthesis achieves this near instantaneous energy transfer is a long-standing mystery that may have finally been solved."

3 of 234 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I'm sure a lot more things rely on quantum effe by thefirelane · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'm sorry, please clarify: did you actually say anthing in that post?

  2. Even more amazing... by Waffle+Iron · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ... it's also been discovered that *all* physical phenomena may also rely on Quantum Effect.

  3. Philosophical implications? by C10H14N2 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    None that weren't already stated in numerous terms thousands of years ago in virtually every culture.