Following the path of carbon in photosynthesis: a personal story

Chronological recognition of the intermediates and mechanisms involved in photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation is delineated. Sam Ruben and Martin Kamen's development of application of radioactive carbon for the study of carbon dioxide fixation provided impetus and techniques for following the path of carbon in photosynthesis. Discovery The identity of the primary carboxylation enzyme and its identity with the major protein of photosynthetic tissues (`Fraction 1' protein of Sam Wildman) is reviewed. Memories are dimmed by sixty years of exciting discoveries exploration in newer fields [see Benson 2002 (Annu Rev Plant Biol 53: 1–25), for research and perspectives beyond the early Berkeley days]. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The identification of the Photosystem II reaction center: a personal story

This minireview is about the path that led me to the identification of the Photosystem II reaction center in oxygenic photosynthesis. It is based mostly on my own experiences and viewpoints. Thus, the article is essentially a personal account, and does not include all contributions that led to the identification of this functional unit of Photosystem II. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.