Fotoskapandet

Fotoskapandet is the Swedish term for the biological process of photosynthesis, the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by autotrophic organisms such as plants, algae, and certain bacteria. In this process, chlorophyll molecules capture photons, initiating a series of reactions that produce ATP and NADPH. Carbon dioxide is then fixed into organic molecules through the Calvin cycle, ultimately forming sugars that serve as energy stores and building blocks for cellular structures. The overall simplified reaction is: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2.

The process was first described in detail by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century, but its molecular mechanism was fully clarified only in the late 20th century with advances in spectroscopy and genetic engineering. Photosynthetic efficiency and the regulation of chloroplast development are key research areas, particularly in relation to agricultural productivity and carbon sequestration. Modern applications of fotoskapandet research include the bioengineering of crops for higher yield, the design of artificial photosynthetic systems for renewable energy, and the study of ancient photosynthetic life through fossil pigments.