Agnostic.com

2 1

It is such common knowledge; it is taught at primary (elementary) schools in the UK, yet it continues to fascinate scientists all over the world.

Photosynthesis
Botany: A Blooming HistoryEpisode 2 of 3

The air we breathe, and all the food we eat, is created from water, sunlight, carbon dioxide and a few minerals. That's it, nothing else. It sounds simple, but this process is one of the most fascinating and complicated in all of science. Without it there could be no life on earth. It's that important.

For centuries people believed that plants grew by eating soil. In the 17th century, pioneer botanists began to make the connection between the growth of a plant and the energy from the sun. They discovered how plants use water, sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce sugars - how, in fact, a plant grows.

The process of photosynthesis is still at the heart of scientific research today. Universities across the world are working hard to replicate in the lab what plants do with ruthless efficiency. Their goal is to produce a clean, limitless fuel and if they get it right it will change all our lives.

Ryo1 8 Aug 26
Share

Enjoy being online again!

Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.

Create your free account

2 comments

Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.

1

Without utilising the properties inherent in quanta, photosynthesis would not happen

1

Yep, saw it last night, a great documentary.

Tis, in it?

@Ryo1 Tis, in it. The most profound of all Britishisms.

You can include a link to this post in your posts and comments by including the text q:683481
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.