In which year did Julius von Sachs' study establish that starch is the first visible product of photosynthesis?

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

The year 1854 is recognized for the foundational experiments by German botanist Julius von Sachs on plant physiology.
He demonstrated that starch grains are produced in plant leaves specifically when they are exposed to light.
This experiment established starch as the first visible product of photosynthesis, directly linking its formation to the action of light on chlorophyll-containing tissues.
His work provided the first experimental proof that plants synthesize organic matter (glucose, stored as starch) using light.

Option A: This year is too late. By 1890, the fundamental principles of photosynthesis established by Sachs were already widely accepted, and research had advanced to more detailed aspects.
Option C: This year is too early for Sachs' key findings. This period in agricultural chemistry was dominated by Justus von Liebig, who focused on mineral nutrition rather than the organic synthesis process of photosynthesis.
Option D: By 1875, Sachs' work from the 1850s and 1860s was already foundational. This year marks a period when the scientific community was building upon his discoveries.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Photosynthesis Research as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the basics of photosynthesis is foundational to biology and biochemistry, which are core pre-requisite subjects for nursing education.
Knowledge of plant biology is relevant to pharmacology, as many essential medicines (e.g., Digoxin, Morphine) are derived from plants. The metabolic processes that create these active compounds are powered by photosynthesis.
This historical knowledge provides context for how scientific understanding of basic life processes has evolved, which is a component of a well-rounded scientific education.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests knowledge of the history of science.
First, identify the key elements in the question: the scientist's name (Julius von Sachs) and the specific discovery (starch as the first visible product of photosynthesis).
Next, review the given date options.
Access your memory of major scientific milestones. Associate Julius von Sachs with the mid-19th century.
Eliminate options that are clearly too early (e.g., 1840, associated with Liebig) or too late (e.g., 1890), narrowing down the possibilities.
Select the year that most closely aligns with the known period of the scientist's most significant contributions.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB 14 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.