Photosynthesis and Chloroplasts
You will read that only plants, algae, and some bacteria are photosynthetic. There is an exception to this, however. One species of sea slug has found a way to steal chloroplasts, store them in glands lining its digestive tract, and live on the sugar that is produced (Milius, 2010). The sea slug has even commandeered the genes to help repair these chloroplasts to keep them working for 9 months—longer than the algae would (Fang, 2015)!
What if animals and humans could be engineered to have chloroplasts and could then use photosynthesis?
Focus your discussion on ONE of the following topics:
Review the following links for materials to enhance your knowledge and assist with your discussion post:
Describe the process of photosynthesis to explain at least 1 requirement for photosynthesis that would need to be considered for chloroplasts to function in an animal or a human.
The process of photosynthesis occurs in two
stages: light-dependent phase and light-independent
phase.
Light-dependent phase: The sunlight drives the splitting of water
into the oxygen and release of electrons from PS II. These
electrons are fed into the electron transport chain to carry out
ATP synthesis. Upon trapping the sunlight, the reaction center of
PSI also releases electrons and the NADP reductase enzyme reduces
the NADP into NADPH.
Light independent phase: Carbon dioxide gas enters the leaf cells
through stomata. This CO2 is fixed into glucose via the
light-independent phase. It uses ATP and NADPH formed in the light
phase.
If humans have engineered chloroplasts in them to perform the photosynthesis, they would need some source of CO2 gas which is to be fixed into the glucose. The CO2 formed by cellular respiration is released out of the body via exhalation. Either, this CO2 should be channeled to the enter the Light independent phase or animals/human should have stomata like structures to uptake the carbon dioxide gas from air.
Photosynthesis and Chloroplasts You will read that only plants, algae, and some bacteria are photosynthetic. There...
Focus your discussion on ONE of the following topics: Describe at least 2 benefits and 2 drawbacks there might be for animal cells (including humans) to make their own food through photosynthesis. Explain which cells, tissues, or organs should be modified to lead to successful photosynthesis in animals or humans. Discuss how these compare to a plant's leaves. Describe the process of photosynthesis to explain at least 1 requirement for photosynthesis that would need to be considered for chloroplasts to...
Macro algae, or seaweeds are classified in 3 large groups based on their photosynthetic pigment colors. Which two groups are more closely related to each other and to land plants? green algae and brown algae green algae and red algae red algae and brown algae 2.The simplest and most evolutionarily ancient primary producers are: diatoms cyanobacteria (AKA bluegreen algae) unicellular algae plants dinoflagellates Ocean water is salty because there are ions (salts) dissolved in the water. What are the 2...