From Evolution of Fundamental Mechanisms to Radical Re-Engineering

Photosynthesis captures solar energy and converts it to forms useable by life. It has the largest footprint of any biological process on the planet, powering our entire biosphere, defining the composition of our atmosphere through oxygen production and sequestration of CO₂ and supplying us with food to eat and energy to run our machines.

Delineating the fundamental mechanisms of photosynthetic energy conversion at molecular levels is critical for understanding how it enables and defines the energy budget of our ecosystem, and by identifying the limiting step(s) in the process it fosters endeavors to improve the efficiency and productivity of natural photosynthesis. More recently, this knowledge is being harnessed in attempts to radically re-engineer photosynthesis as self-replicating, self-assembling solar energy storage systems.

The 2014 Gordon Conference on Photosynthesis will focus on the future of photosynthesis research, highlighting recent strides in our understanding that lead to new open questions and ways of thinking, in areas that include:

• Efficient capture and transfer of light energy
• Photoprotection and the avoidance of toxic side reactions
• Water splitting
• Reaction centers and electron transfer reactions
• The proton, ion and water circuits
• Evolution of diverse energy storage modes
• New technologies and the discoveries they enable
• Biosynthesis, assembly and control of the biochemical apparatus
• Prospects for improving natural photosynthesis
• Radical re-engineering of photosynthesis: from progress reports to new knowledge

The program will span the wide range of disciplines required to understand photosynthesis (physics, biochemistry, molecular genetics, structural biology, systems biology, and spectroscopy). The photosynthesis GRC is well known for its collegial atmosphere, encouraging interactions with open discussions, interactive poster sessions and informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings.