Hacking Photosynthesis – Finished

Photosynthesis is one of the most well-known biological processes. However, there is still so much scientists want to figure out that could potentially help shape the future of food development and agriculture. Scientists are trying to find ways that they can alter the way a plant makes its food and energy so that it can be more efficient and accommodating for the growing population. They are doing this by taking a closer look at the rubisco enzyme. This enzyme’s job is to grab the carbon dioxide out of the air and convert it to glucose. However, about every 1 in 5 times, the rubisco messes up and accidentally grabs an oxygen atom, which can produce a toxin. Even though the plants are equipped to deal with this mishap, it does slow down the process of photosynthesis and uses energy that could be put into making energy. Therefore, scientists are trying to find a way that they can make the rubisco a 100% accurate enzyme. Scientists estimate that if this procedure works, about 200 million more people could be fed.

As well as trying to modify the plant itself, scientists are also trying to copy the systems of the plant into machines that could make energy for humans. It is common knowledge that fossil fuels are bad for the Earth, so more renewable energy such as solar energy is definitely the way to go. Solar energy was inspired by plants and their ability to transform the sun’s rays into energy. Overall, plants are very sophisticated little machines made at the hands of Mother Earth that have the capability to power our entire world.