Jan Ingenhousz

Jan Ingenhousz was a Dutch scientist known for discovering that plants convert light into energy through a process called photosynthesis. In 1779, he demonstrated that plants produce oxygen when exposed to sunlight by placing them in water and observing bubbles forming. He also showed that this process depends on light and that dark conditions prevent oxygen production. Ingenhousz’s work significantly advanced understanding of plant biology and how plants sustain themselves and contribute to Earth's oxygen supply. His experiments helped establish the foundation for modern studies of photosynthesis and plant physiology.