This volume provides an introduction to the fundamental design and functioning of the photosynthetic membrane and is aimed at a broad audience, including undergraduate and graduate students in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, botany and bioengineering. Biochemistry and molecular biology methods for studying functions of the membrane are discussed, as well as visualization techniques including optical, electron and atomic force microscopy. In addition, the book contains some interesting, albeit brief speculation as to whether knowledge of the biophysics of light harvesting can be transferred to the design of solar cells. Another ambitious idea discussed here is that deeper understanding of the photosynthetic membrane may offer opportunities for combating global warming. Hopefully some readers will be inspired to explore those opportunities.
Review by K. Alan Shore, Bangor University, School of Electronic Engineering, Wales, United Kingdom.
The opinions expressed in the book review section are those of the reviewer and do not necessarily reflect those of OPN or OSA.