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A tribute to Robert John Porra (august 7, 1931–may 16, 2019)

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Abstract

Robert John Porra (7.8.1931–16.5.2019) is probably best known for his substantial practical contributions to plant physiology and photosynthesis by addressing the problems of both the accurate spectroscopic estimation and the extractability of chlorophylls in many organisms. Physiological data and global productivity estimates, in particular of marine primary productivity, are often quoted on a chlorophyll basis. He also made his impact by work on all stages of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis: he proved the C5 pathway to chlorophylls, detected an alternative route to protoporphyrin in anaerobes and the different origin of the oxygen atoms in anaerobes and aerobes. A brief review of his work is supplemented by personal memories of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia

    Wah Soon Chow

  2. Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia

    Antony W. D. Larkum

  3. Heinz Walz GmbH, 91090, Effeltrich, Germany

    Erhard Pfündel

  4. Faculty of Technology & Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Kathu, Phuket, 83120, Thailand

    Raymond J. Ritchie

  5. Department Biologie 1 – Botanik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80999, Munich, Germany

    Hugo Scheer

  6. Örebro Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 70182, Örebro, Sweden

    Åke Strid

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  1. Wah Soon Chow
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  2. Antony W. D. Larkum
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  3. Erhard Pfündel
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  4. Raymond J. Ritchie
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  5. Hugo Scheer
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  6. Åke Strid
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Correspondence to Hugo Scheer.

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Chow, W.S., Larkum, A.W.D., Pfündel, E. et al. A tribute to Robert John Porra (august 7, 1931–may 16, 2019). Photosynth Res 147, 125–130 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11120-020-00800-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11120-020-00800-4

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