Review. Lighting the way: Compelling open questions in photosynthesis research

Photosynthesis is fundamental to life on Earth and a topic that all plant biologists should have a good understanding of, but it is also an incredibly complex set of processes, reactions and structures spanning great temporal and spatial distances. In this new Commentary by Eckardt et al., several experts summarize some of the fundamental unknowns being investigated in photosynthesis research. The questions focus largely on the light harvesting reactions, including the reaction center and the antenna complexes and their dynamic responses to the light and chemical environment. The authors also step beyond land plants by looking at other photosynthetic organisms, and consider unresolved questions about the evolution of photosynthesis. Open questions on stomatal regulation and the C₄ pathway are also addressed. This is an engaging and compelling “must read”, and one severl in the upcoming Plant Cell Focus Issue on Photosynthesis, to be published in October, 2024. (Summary by Mary Williams @PlantTeaching) Plant Cell 10.1093/plcell/koae203