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Andrew A. Benson Photosynth Res (2007) 92:143–144 DOI 10.1007/s11120-007-9205-x PREFACE Andrew A. Benson Bob B. Buchanan Æ Roland Douce Æ Hartmut K. Lichtenthaler Published online: 24 July 2007 Ó Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007 This Special Issue of Photosynthesis Research is dedicated to Professor Andrew A. Benson, one of the leading plant biologists of the twentieth century, on the occasion of his 90th birthday (September 24, 2007). A giant in the field of photosynthesis, Andy is a superb chemist who is passion- ately fond of plants. Although never having more than a few people in his group, his contributions over 60 years were central to the elucidation of the nature of fundamental mechanisms of carbon fixation in photosynthetic cells and to our understanding of plant lipids. His habit of working at the bench every day and his dissatisfaction with imprecise results were also the key to his success. At the beginning of his scientific career at Berkeley, Andy met Martin Kamen and Sam Ruben—the discoverers of the long-lived radiocarbon isotope (14C). In retrospect, Andy considered this period vital to his later research. In 1946 he became a member of Melvin Calvin’s Bio-organic Research Group in Berkeley, and the leading scientist of the new photosynthesis laboratory. Andy judiciously chose unicellular green algae and developed a special illumina- tion vessel (called a ‘‘lollipop’’) to study the path of carbon 14 ( CO2) in photosynthesis. He followed the incorporation Andrew A. Benson of the long-lived radiocarbon into phosphorylated com- pounds during the course of illumination with truly remarkable success. He succeeded brilliantly in the B. B. Buchanan (&) Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, chemical characterization of 3-phosphoglyceric acid, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA sedoheptulose monophosphate and ribulose bisphos- e-mail: [email protected] phate—several compounds observed during the first few 14 R. Douce seconds of C photosynthesis. These compounds, the latter Universite´ de Grenoble CEA, DRCD/PCV, 17 rue des Martyrs, new to biology, were the fundamental basis for elucidating 38054 Grenoble, Cedex 9, France the carbon dioxide reduction cycle in photosynthesis. This cycle is a complex process that is performed in chloroplasts H. K. Lichtenthaler Botanisches Institut II, Universitaet Karlsruhe, Kaiserstr. 12, of land plants, brown, red and green algae, including D-76133 Karlsruhe, Germany marine phytoplankton, as well as oxygenic and some 123 144 Photosynth Res (2007) 92:143–144 anoxygenic photosynthetic prokaryotes. It is this process perform groundbreaking research on plants. One of the that perhaps more than anything else distinguishes plants editors of this special issue (R.D.) fondly recalls, ‘‘ I must from animals. say that the best year of my scientific life was undoubtedly Andy’s contributions to the biology and biochemistry of the year I spent in Andy’s company at the Scripps Insti- plants are manifold. Together with photosynthesis, his tution of Oceanography in La Jolla. It was both a delight pioneering work and innovation in the field of plant lipids and a privilege’’. Another editor (H.K.L.) states, ‘‘The rank as classical contributions. Among others, the contri- intensive, prospective discussions with Andy Benson, e.g. butions include the exquisite characterization of phos- in 1963 on the organization of plant lipids and pigments in phatidylglycerol and sulfolipid as functional lipids in the photosynthetic biomembrane during a visit in La Jolla photosynthetic membranes. Andy also performed long- and on various other topics on later occasions, were ex- lasting research on arsenic compounds in algae and other tremely stimulating and inspiring’’. Finally, in recalling marine organisms. Andy’s conclusions are always impec- their memorable discussions, B.B.B notes ‘‘Andy’s imprint cably based on the soundest of experimental evidence. on the field of photosynthesis and on life at Berkeley at mid Perhaps most impressive of all is the way that his work is last century, will endure and serve as a model for scholars constantly evolving and leading the rest of the field for- of generations to come’’. On behalf of friends and col- ward, both technically and intellectually. We believe that leagues throughout the world of science, we congratulate the essential elements of his success are an incredibly sharp you, Andy, on your 90th birthday and extend warm wishes perception of the next important question and how to go for the future. about its solution. Equally impressive are the unflagging industry and enthusiasm with which he proceeds in new Acknowledgement The photograph of Professor Benson was research efforts. reprinted, with permission from the Annual Review of Plant Biology, Volume 53 Ó2002 by Annual Reviews http://www.annual Andy is respected and admired throughout the world of reviews.org. science. With his genius and interminable readiness for discussions, he has stimulated countless young scientists to 123.
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