C4 photosynthesis: an unlikely process full of surprises

Hatch, M.D.

C4 photosynthesis: an unlikely process full of surprises

1992

Hatch, M.D.

This paper is a much abbreviated version of a lecture presented at a symposium held in conjunction with the awarding of the International Prize for Biology. I apologise for the sparse use of references. Because of the occasion and the wide range of interests of the audience I chose to treat a number of aspects of C4 photosynthesis in a general way. A more detailed account of the current status of the biochemistry, physiology, and various related aspects of C4 photosynthesis has been presented in a recent review (Hatch 1987). Here, I will briefly consider some aspects of the discovery of the process and some of the most significant developments that followed. I will then consider the function of the C4 option at the cellular level, the advantages it offers, and why it evolved.

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