Storage of Light Energy and Photosynthesis

Abstract

FRÖHLICH¹ has introduced a mechanism of energy storage which is relevant to three of the most important aspects of modern research on photosynthesis. First, he suggests that “[units as small as the photosynthetic unit] absorb not only in the frequency range of the bulk material, but also at usually higher frequencies … [in] the range of longitudinal modes …”; second, that excitations may be stored in a mode which has “a very small chance … for re-emitting photons”, and finally, that the stored energy “… can be transferred not only in steps of one, but also two or more quanta”. The first two propositions are directly accessible in terms of observed fluorescence lifetimes and spectral characteristics, and the third (perhaps the most intriguing) is presumably available as a replacement for or supplement to the series formulation (Z scheme)² of the photon-driven stages of electron transport. The third is, however, the most qualitative and should be assessed only after the general mechanism is established.