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Related Concept Videos

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Photosynthesis is a multipart, biochemical process that occurs in plants as well as in some bacteria. It captures carbon dioxide and solar energy to produce glucose. Glucose stores chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates. The overall biochemical formula of photosynthesis is 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + Light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2. Photosynthesis releases oxygen into the atmosphere and is largely responsible for maintaining the Earth’s atmospheric oxygen content.
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All living organisms on Earth are directly or indirectly dependent on photosynthesis. It is the only biological process that can capture energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy that every organism can use to power its metabolism. Photosynthesis is also the source of oxygen required by many living organisms.
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The “tree of life” describes the evolution of life and the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The root of the tree is the common ancestor to all life on Earth. All other species radiate from this point, much like the branches of a tree. The numerous tips of these branches on the tree of life represent every living, or extant, species. Extinct species, which are species that no longer exist, can be found towards the center of the tree. Currently, these organisms, both...
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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Transforming, Genome Editing and Phenotyping the Nitrogen-fixing Tropical Cannabaceae Tree Parasponia andersonii
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Diffuse light and wetting differentially affect tropical tree leaf photosynthesis.

Z Carter Berry1, Gregory R Goldsmith1

  • 1Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, 92866, USA.

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|August 17, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Photosynthesis in tropical forests is significantly impacted by diffuse light and wet leaves, conditions common in cloud forests. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate Earth system models.

Keywords:
Earth systems modelsclimate changecloudsdiffuse radiationdirect radiationleaf wettingphotosynthetically active radiationprimary productivity

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Plant Physiology
  • Biogeochemistry

Background:

  • Ecosystems frequently experience diffuse light and wet leaves due to cloud cover and rain.
  • Current photosynthesis research often overlooks these conditions, relying on dry leaf, direct light data.
  • This gap limits our understanding of photosynthesis in prevalent environmental scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of diffuse light and leaf wetting on photosynthesis in tropical montane cloud forest canopy species.
  • To quantify species-specific responses to varying light quality and moisture.
  • To improve the representation of photosynthesis in Earth system models.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a modified gas exchange system to measure photosynthesis.
  • Exposed canopy species from a tropical montane cloud forest to diffuse and direct light.
  • Assessed the effects of leaf wetting on photosynthetic rates.

Main Results:

  • Significant species-level variation in response to light quality was observed, independent of intensity.
  • Some species showed up to 100% higher photosynthesis in diffuse light, while others preferred direct light.
  • Leaf wetting generally reduced photosynthesis, especially when stomatal surfaces were wet, with notable species variation.

Conclusions:

  • Ecosystem photosynthesis is significantly altered by ubiquitous environmental conditions like diffuse light and leaf wetness.
  • Findings explain increased net ecosystem exchange under cloudy conditions.
  • Results enhance the accuracy of Earth system models for future climate change projections.