Class 11 · Photosynthesis in Higher Plants

Van Niel's Photosynthesis Model — NEET Biology

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A milestone contribution to the understanding of photosynthesis was that made by a microbiologist, Cornelius van Niel (1897-1985), who, based on his studies of purple and green bacteria, demonstrated that photosynthesis is essentially a light-dependent reaction in which hydrogen from a suitable oxidisable compound reduces carbon dioxide to carbohydrates. This can be expressed by:

NCERT Biology · Class 11 · Chapter 11 · Paragraph 17
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QuestionPractice Question

Which scientist first proposed that O₂ comes from H₂O, not CO₂?

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Correct answer: B Van Niel

Van Niel, from studies on purple and green sulfur bacteria, suggested this first.

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A milestone contribution to the understanding of photosynthesis was that made by a microbiologist, Cornelius van Niel (1897-1985), who, based on his studies of purple and green bacteria, demonstrated that photosynthesis is essentially a light-dependent reaction in which hydrogen from a suitable oxidisable compound reduces carbon dioxide to carbohydrates. This can be expressed by:
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Photosynthesis in Higher Plants, Class 11 NCERT Biology.

Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 176 of the 180 ReNEET 2026 (June 21) questions were already in the MedicNEET question bank before the exam.

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