The Definition of Photosynthesis - Essay Example

? Photosynthesis: Current scientific research and studies High School’s Introduction The definition of ‘photosynthesis’ is critical in gaining an understanding of why the photosynthetic processes are important. According to the World of Scientific Discovery (2/2011), “…photosynthesis is the process by which living things turn (or convert) light energy into chemical energy…photosynthesis is a process by which sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water are converted into sugars” (Gale Science, 2011, p. 1). The name ‘photosynthesis’ (a chemical change process) is derived from Latin terminology, ‘formation of light’. The ‘formation of light’ process is important in the sustenance of the food chain in which “all human food energy and the food energy of many living organisms are directly or indirectly derived from the photosynthetic processes” (Gale Science, 2011, p. 1). For example, an organism (i.e. a cow) eats plants and, therefore, consumes the plant energy that was generated via photosynthesis; this is energy indirectly via photosynthesis. “Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use the energy of light to produce carbohydrates and molecular oxygen, (O2) from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). 6CO2 + 6H2O – sunlight – C6H12O6 + 6O2 Virtually all ecosystems on earth depend on photosynthesis as their source of energy. Incredibly, all free oxygen on the planet, including atmospheric oxygen, originates from photosynthesis” (Robinson, 2009, p. 1). The following articles analyze and demonstrate current research on the topic of ‘photosynthesis’. Each is concerned with scientific research and measurable analysis of the photosynthetic processes. The test methods of certain scientific questions and studies offer unique theoretical insights, and interpretations of scientific methodologies. Article #1: “Comparing light-conversion efficiency of plants and manmade solar cells” by Durham, Sharon (2012). Agricultural Research. (60.1)7. In this scientific article written by researcher Sharon Durham (2012), the research study question is asked… “When using light energy, how do manmade photo cells compare to a plant’s photosynthesis”? (Durham, 2012, p. 1). Explain what the scientist were testing During scientific inquiry, scientist from the Agricultural Research Service conducted a study in which comparisons were drawn between plant cells and photovoltaic cells – how efficiently each cell type converted sunlight into energy. The significance of purpose of the study was to find out how scientists and researchers “could improve plant photosynthesis – a critical first link in the global supply chain for food, fiber, and bioenergy production” (Durham, 2012, p. 1). Explain (briefly) how they tested it Scientists conducted detailed-oriented scientific methodology and measurement to compare plant cell and manmade solar cell photosynthetic processes. Research leader, Donald Ort, conducts scientific studies on photosynthesis from his field office – the ARS Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit in Urbana, Illinois. According to Ort (2012), “scientists know that plants are not as efficient as manmade solar cells at converting light into energy. But there is a way of comparing the two systems more accurately. The study identified specific redesigns that hold excellent promise for improving efficiency” (Ort, 2012, p. 1). Researchers set comparison standards, first considering current technology then strategies for improvements. Explain what they found As noted by S. Durham (2012), “…comparing the two systems is a challenge. Although both processes harvest energy from sunlight, they use the energy in different ways. Plants convert the sun’s energy into chemical energy, whereas, solar cells produce electricity” (Durham, 2012, p. 1). Research scientist, Ort, points out… “While, in context of our efficiency analysis, solar cells have a clear advantage compared to photosynthesis. There is a need to apply both in the service of sustainable energy conversion for the future. Our ultimate goal is design food and biofuel crops that use sunlight energy more efficiently and are, thus, higher yielding. This energy-efficiency analysis between plant photosynthesis and solar cells will lay the groundwork for improving the efficiency of plant photosynthesis in agriculture for improved yield” (Ort & Durham, 2012, p. 1). Article #2: “C4 Cycles: Past, Present, and Future Research on C4 Photosynthesis” by Langdale, J. & American Society of Plant Biologists. (2011). The Plant Cell (23)11; 3879-3892. Scientific research studies concerning photosynthetic cyclic pathways of plants has been dynamic foci of analyses for many plant physiologists, biochemists, and molecular biologist that study plant development. As noted in recent class lecture notes, “…during carbon fixation of the Calvin Cycle – 3CO2 molecules bind to 3RuBP (ribulose biphosphates) a 5-carbon molecule to form three 6-carbon molecules” (Lecture notes, 2012, p. 3). The studies on further Carbon Cycle research delve into the role of C3 and C4 compounds during photosynthesis. “In the late 1960’s, a vibrant new research field was ignited by the discovery that instead of fixing CO2 into a C3 compound, some plants initially fix CO2 into a four-carbon (C4) compound. The term C4 photosynthesis was born” (Langdale, 2011, abstract). Explain what scientist were testing During years of progressive plant research, biologist continuously conducted scientific studies in an attempt to “understand how C4 photosynthetic pathways were partitioned between tow morphologically distinct cell types in the leaf” (Langdale, 2011, abstract). Explain briefly how they tested it C4 photosynthetic pathways were the focus of many biochemistry research studies. Leaf taxonomy and anatomy were primary topics for biochemical research inquiry and scientific methods. “The C4 cyclic pathway, patterns of gene expression and whole genome sequences” (Langdale, 2011) were consistently tested via scientific methods of measurement and analysis. Explain what they found “Over the last five years, there has been a resurgence of interest and funding mainly due to ambitious multinational projects that aim to increase crop yields by introducing C4 traits into C3 plants” (Langdale, 2011, abstract). New technologies and innovations (sometimes known as synthetic biology) have created revived interest and discovery and “has resulted in the development of more sophisticated approaches toward understanding how the C4 pathway evolved, how it is regulated, and how it is manipulated” (Langdale, 2011, abstract). Article #3: “Sun-free photosynthesis?” by Phillips, Melissa Lee (2005). The Scientist (18)25; Gale Science in Context. The processes of photosynthesis are not only critical to sustaining life on earth; the photosynthetic processes are needed to provide molecular formulas and equations to many of the cures that, indeed, heal our society, our ethos. Explain what scientist were testing In the article, “Sun-free photosynthesis?” by Melissa Lee Phillips, scientists explore the ocean floor in search of photosynthetic bacterium. Marine biologists and researchers, “led by J. Thomas Beatty of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver have found photosynthetic green sulfur bacteria (GSBI) at a hydrothermal vent more than a mile below the ocean surface” (Beatty & Phillips, 2005, p. 1). Explain how they tested it Using scientific methods and techniques, Lead Scientist, Beatty and team, collected cultured water samples from the East Pacific Rise. This is an area in which many hydrothermal vents exist and photosynthetic bacterium is present. The photosynthetic green sulfur bacteria, GSBI, were cultured and grew in a sample collected within fifty cms. of a hydrothermal vent. Explain what they found Co-researcher, Cindy Van Dover of the College of William and Mary, Virginia, have scientifically researched and studied “that geothermal radiation is mostly infrared but extends into visible wavelengths. Photon flux at 750nm., which is what GSBI’s bacteriocholorphylls absorb, is about the same as that available for a green sulfur bacterium found in the Black Sea. The bacterium has been estimated to take two to three years to divide” (p. 1). As marine biologist, Beatty, has researched, “…the GSBI bacterium does not really correspond well with what we normally think of growth…it is more like just survival” (Beatty & Phillips, 2005, p. 1). Conclusion The three applicable research articles on photosynthesis delve into (1) comparisons between plant photosynthesis and manmade solar cells; (2) C4 photosynthetic cyclic pathways and the manufacturing of C3 and C4 compounds; and (3) photosynthetic green sulfur bacterium, GSBI, and where they can be found. The significance or purpose of these articles is to highlight current scientific research that is being conducted in the various fields of modern research studies. They serve the purpose of problem-solving and answering questions of today’s society that are built upon disciplines and studies of science, technology, and constructs and explanations of scientific inquiry. Scientific research, as demonstrated in the articles, is a means and method by which scientists and society answer questions about us, our ethos, and our existence. References Durham, S. (2012). “Comparing light-conversion efficiency of plants and manmade solar cells” Agricultural Research (60.1)7; Gale Science in Context. [Web] Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com.exproxy.lapl.org/ic/scic/ AcademicJournalsDetailsPage/ Gale Science in Context (2011). “Definition of Photosynthesis”. World of Scientific Discovery. Gale Science in Context (10/2012). [Web] Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com.ezproxy. lapl.org/ic/scic/ Langdale, J. A. (2011). “Past, Present, and Future Research on Photosynthesis”. The Plant Cell (23.11)3879+; Gale Science in Context. [Web]. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com.ezproxy.lapl.org/scic/AcademicJournalsDetailsPage/ Phillips, M. (2005). “Sun-free photosynthesis?” The Scientist (18)36; Gale Science in Context. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com.ezproxy.lapl.org/scic/AcademicJournalsDetailPage/ Robinson, R. (2009). Photosynthesis: Biology. Gale Science in Context. Macmillan Reference: New York, NY. Read More