a, sulfate, phosphate, iron, magnesium, and potassium are required in substantial amounts for the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, coenzymes, DNA and RNA, chlorophyll and other pigments, and other plant constituents. Smaller amounts of other elements are needed in photosynthesis such as manganese, copper, and chlorine [12]. Many of these natural factors influence how quickly and efficiently a plant can conclude the process of photosynthesis. While it may seem that we understand photosynthesis in detail, decades of experiments have given us only a partial understanding of this important process. A more thorough understanding of the details of photosynthesis may pave the way for development of crops that are more efficient at using the sun's energy and their nutrients, such as hydroponics (Figure 21), producing food for increasingly bountiful harvests. ...
