Biotech breakthrough: Sunlight can be used to produce chemicals and energy
Monday, April 4, 2016 - 09:01
in Physics & Chemistry
A natural process that researchers describe as reverse photosynthesis has been discovered. In the process, the energy in solar rays breaks down, rather than builds plant material, as is the case with photosynthesis. The sunlight is collected by chlorophyll, the same molecule as used in photosynthesis. Combined with a specific enzyme the energy of sunlight now breaks down plant biomass, with possible uses as chemicals, biofuels or other products, that might otherwise take a long time to produce.