Abstract The origin of photosynthesis is such an ancient event that definitive evidence as to how this essential biological process began and developed may be lost forever,such as the nature of the earliest photosynthetic organisms as well as the problem dealing with how photosynthetic organisms obtain their photosynthetic apparatus;thus,studies on the origin of photosynthesis became an important and enchanting scientific theme. Nevertheless,some evidence can be assembled from a variety of sources,including geology,biogeochemistry,comparative biochemistry and molecular evolution analysis,which begin to give some insights into the complex origin and evolutionary history of photosynthesis that chiefly deal with several aspects as follows:(1)the origin of photosynthetic life;(2)the origin of photosynthetic apparatus;and(3)the origin of photosynthetic catalysts. It is very meaningful to pursuit and to summarize some important cognitions enriched-wisdom resulted from both the lasting research and hardworking effort by scientists,which can provide important studying clues and thinking approaches for the further researches of this fascinating scientific. Furthermore,it is also meaningful to trace the advancement on the study of the origin of photosynthesis for the further understanding of the sophisticated coupling process among earth spheres in the early time,which are as follows:(1)the transformation from the anoxygenic to the oxygenic photosynthesis;(2)a complex interaction and its synergetic evolution between the biosphere and the atmosphere;(3)a sophisticated evolutionary process from a anoxic to an oxic atmosphere generated by the origin and evolution of the oxygenic photosynthesis;(4)a major long-term effect on Earth-surface environments and the development of life that is benefited from the progressive oxygenation of the atmosphere and hydrosphere;and(5)the molding of the palaeogeographical version of the early Earth and so on. More importantly,some geological especially for sedimentological thinking on the origin of the photosynthesis and some important cognitions,though are not conclusions,have broaden the studying domain of sedimentology and widen the field of view of sedimentologists. Ultimately,these researches become a scientific paradigm that is applied with multi-subjects.
About author: Mei Mingxiang,born in 1965, graduated and obtained Ph.D. degree from China University of Geosciences(Beijing) in 1993. Now he is a professor at School of Earth Sciences and Resources,China University of Geosciences(Beijing),and is engaged in sedimentology and stratigraphy. E-mail: meimingxiang@263.net.
Cite this article:
Mei Mingxiang,Gao Jinhan. Origin of photosynthesis:An enchanting and important scientific theme[J]. JOPC, 2015, 17(5): 577-592.
Mei Mingxiang,Gao Jinhan. Origin of photosynthesis:An enchanting and important scientific theme[J]. JOPC, 2015, 17(5): 577-592.
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