Explore the fascinating evolution of photosynthesis in this 23-minute video lecture. Delve into the origins of the first photosynthesizing organisms and their development of light-to-energy conversion abilities. Learn about light-absorbing pigments like bacteriorhodopsin, bacteriochlorophyll, and chlorophyll, and understand the crucial differences between oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis. Discover how the emergence of oxygenic photosynthesis revolutionized Earth's environment. Examine topics such as early phototroph evolution, electron transport chains, lateral gene transfer, and the formation of phototroph mats. Investigate the role of UV light protection and the eventual rise of cyanobacteria as the first oxygenic phototrophs. Consider the long-term effects of Earth's oxidation and its impact on early life forms.