Why Study Photosynthesis?

The article under analysis called Why Study Photosynthesis? is written by Devens Gust, the doctor of philosophy at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The paper considers the significance of such biological process as photosynthesis, its actual process, and its connection with the economic policy. The author emphasizes major reasons of understanding process. Further, the paper enlarges upon the connection of this biological phenomenon with agriculture, industry, medical sphere and the ecological situation in the world.

Main body

The research reveals that the study of nature is important because understanding the basis principles of photosynthesis are crucial. Due to the fact that people cannot control natural processes but the knowledge enables them to use them in the appropriate way. By revealing the information about the details of photosynthesis, Gust encourages people to investigate and to develop the innovated techniques thus applying them to the problem solution in the different spheres of life. The detailed description shows how people can benefit from this information and apply this natural process for the well-being of people.

The arguments presented by the author are logical and consistent based on variable sources. His interpretation of this process as transition from one type of energy into another is rather evidence-based. The ideas about connection of photosynthesis and metabolism are proved by its comparison with hydro carbonates conversion into cellulose. Author manages to show the connection between photosynthetic processes and production of photosynthetic products. The second part of the article explains the previous arguments about the results of photosynthesis. His ideas also explain why biology is closely connected with chemistry.

In the article, there are some points that contradict one another. On the one hand, Gust describes photosynthesis as the most crucial biological process that serves as the basis for other natural processes. On the other hand, he points out that “photosynthesis is relatively inefficient” (Gust 1996) so that it requires the invention of more advanced method of production. This controversy generates other discussions about photosynthetic functions. Hence, Castelvecchi (2007) believes that photosynthesis has a deeper meaning and a wider range of functions. He insists on how the connection of this process with quantum physics explains the extraordinary efficiency of solar energy and water. Moreover, he proves that 90 % of light is used for the plant to generate oxygen. As Gust gives little importance of photosynthesis as the source of life, it is necessary to consider it as primary function, because no other biological processes could be more significant (Koh et al. 2007). Finally, there is an assumption that it is possible to create some artificial models of oxygen reproduction in future so that people could use it without applying the solar energy. To do that, it is obligatory to study carefully the natural process (Ort et al. 2000).