Woodward Fischer - Photosynthesis: A Planetary Revolution

Photosynthesis is the most important bioenergetic innovation in Earth's history. It dramatically increased global primary production and transformed Earth's cycles. At the same time, this new source of oxygen brought about tremendous biological change, facilitating evolution of the richness we associate with modern biology.

In this lecture, Fischer will present diverse observations from genomes to the ancient rock record to demonstrate how this process emerged billions of years ago and transformed the planet. He will also discuss how knowledge of photosynthesis shapes our search for life outside our solar system and pushes chemical creativity in the development of solar fuels to help meet society's energy needs.

Woodward (Woody) Fischer is professor of geobiology at Caltech.

Presented by: Caltech Committee on Institute Programs