Contributions of Theodor Wilhelm Engelmann on phototaxis, chemotaxis, and photosynthesis

Abstract

Theodor Wilhelm Engelmann (1843-1909), who had a creative life in music, muscle physiology, and microbiology, developed a sensitive method for tracing the photosynthetic oxygen production of unicellular plants by means of bacterial aerotaxis (chemotaxis). He discovered the absorption spectrum of bacteriopurpurin (bacteriochlorophyll a) and the scotophobic response, photokinesis, and photosynthesis of purple bacteria.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]