Photosynthesis & Solar Photovoltaic Technology
hat is photosynthesis and how does photosynthesis work? How is process of photosynthesis linked to photovoltaic technologies? How are they the same and how are they different? This paper will delve into those issues and provide answers to the questions.

Photosynthesis is the process in which green plants create their own food thanks to sunlight shining on them. Animals eat other organisms for their nutrient intake, but plants make their food thanks to the fact that they have chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the pigment that creates the green color in plants and it "…captures the Sun's energy and uses it to make sugars out of carbon dioxide from the air and water" (Ohio State University, 2008). The sugars are vital to the process because they provide fuel for the roots of the plant, the stems and leaves of the plant, and allow the plant to continue to grow.…...

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Works Cited

Green, Jenny. (2011). Photosynthesis or photovoltaics: Weighing the impact. ASU News

[Now]. Arizona State University. Retrieved October 29, 2012, from  https://asunews.asu.edu/20110512_photosynthesis_photovolatics .

Luque, Antonio, and Hegedus, Steven. (2011). Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Mapel, J.K., and Baldo, M.A. (2007). "The Application of Photosynthetic Materials and Architectures to Solar Cells," in Nanostructured Materials for Solar Energy

However, unlike chlorophyll, silicon cannot be used for energy-generation in its raw state, and must be processed by humans. Silicon is favored "because it remains a good conductor of electricity even after it has been heated. In order for silicon to be used for solar cells, it must be heavily heated to separate it from oxygen so that it can be further processed" (Stier 2009). Although solar energy is widely touted as a 'green' technology, the actual manufacture of silicon cells is relatively labor-intensive and results in the burning of a considerable amount of fossil fuels. In contrast, the photosynthesis that takes place in plants is truly 'green' (no pun intended). "Plants are able to create their 'solar panels' relatively inexpensively, so much so that in seasonal climates they regularly shed their leaves and rebuild them the following year using a clean, low-power energy source; out of locally-available and…...

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References

Farabee, MJ. (2007). Photosynthesis. Maricopa University. Retrieved January 11, 2011 at http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BiobookPS.html

The second law of thermodynamics. (2010). Flying Turtle. Retrieved January 11, 2011 at  http://www.flyingturtle.org/energy/2nd_Law.html 

Semiconductors: The science behind solar. (2011). Solar Cal Finder. Retrieved January 11, 2011

http://solar.calfinder.com/blog/solar-information/semiconductors-the-science-behind-solar/

Materials and Methods

Procedure is found on pages 258 to 259 in Biology I: Molecular and Cells Laboratory Manual (Dalton, 2012).

esults

"1" represents the first trial, with an average time-to-surface of 282.4 seconds at a distance of seven centimeters from the light source.

"2" represents the second trial, with an average time-to-surface of 422.9 seconds at a distance of four centimeters from the light source.

Conclusion

An autotroph is an organism that uses sunlight and/or other inorganic features of its environment to create/convert the energy it needs in order to survive, such as most plants including the spinach that was used in this experiment (Kent, 2000; Dalton, 2012). A heterotroph, on the other hand, is an organism that needs to consume other organisms in order to meet its internal energy needs; humans are one obvious example of autotrophs, as is almost every member (perhaps every member) of the animal kingdom (Kent, 2000; Dalton, 2012). In…...

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References

Dalton, K. (2012). Biology I Molecular and Cells: Lecture Guide and Laboratory Manual 3rd Edition. Virginia Beach, VA: Academx Publishing Services, Inc.

Kent, M. (2000). Advanced Biology. New York: Oxford University Press.

Photosynthesis is a process in plants, algae, and some prokaryotes, that coverts solar insulation into chemical energy stored in glucose or other organic compounds. Photosynthesis occurs in slightly different ways in higher plants relative to photosynthetic bacteria. Photosynthesis is an important process because it harnesses the sun's energy into utilizable forms of energy on earth. Most biological organisms such as animals and fungi are unable to directly use light energy to power biological processes such as active transport, cell division and muscle movement. ATP is used to power these processes. Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose and then the process of cellular respiration converts energy in glucose to energy in the form of ATP which is ultimately used to power biological processes. The energy produced by photosynthesis forms the foundation of virtually all terrestrial and aquatic food chains. As a result, photosynthesis is the…...

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References

Carter, J (2004). "Photosynthesis." SC Links, 2 Nov 2004. Retrieved from http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio104/photosyn.htm

Photosynthesis is critical for the survival of all life on earth. The process of photosynthesis within plants consists of two processes, one which begins with energy from the sun in the form of visible light, and another which is light-independent and capture carbon dioxide for glucose production (Audesirk, Audesirk, & Byers, 2008).
Plants are green because they absorb the red and blue wavelengths of visible light, thereby reflecting the color green (University of Idaho, 2008). In the light-dependent phase of photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation occurs when light pigments are absorbed by plant chloroplasts and converted into ATP and NADPH in the thylakoid membranes (University of Idaho, 2008; Audesirk, Audesirk, & Byers, 2008). The light-independent phase, also known as the carbon fixation reactions, uses the ADP and NADPH to produce glucose from fixed and reduced carbon dioxide and the enzyme uBisCo (University of Idaho, 2008; Audesirk, Audesirk, & Byers, 2008). Water is necessary…...

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References

Audesirk, T., Audesirk, G., & Byers, B. (2008). Biology: Life on earth with physiology 8E. San Francisco, CA: Benjamin Cummings.

Cohn, D. (2008). Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration; Powerpoint presentation. St. Louis, MO, USA.

Gregory, M. (2010). Cellular Respiration. Retrieved 02-20, 2011, from SUNY biology: http://faculty.clintoncc.suny.edu/faculty/michael.gregory/files/bio%20101/bio%20101%20lectures/cellular%20respiration/cellular.htm

IUPUI Dept of Biology. (2004, 02-16). Cellular Respiration. Retrieved 02-20, 2011, from biology.iupui.edu: http://www.biology.iupui.edu/biocourses/n100/2k4ch7respirationnotes.html

Photosynthesis
Why There Would Be No People Without Plants.

Plants play a crucial part in the life circle of animals and human beings and their importance in life cannot be undermined, they contribute to the global food chain as the primary source of food and are the reason that life exists. The lives of all the living organisms and human beings are dependent on plants, hence an explanation as to why plants are placed at the bottom of the food chain. Apart from the plants, no living creature can derive or make its own food, it is only the plants which are self sufficient and can manufacture their own food for survival (Anne, 2007).

Plants through the process called photosynthesis take in water, carbon dioxide and light to produce sugar which is in form of glucose and release a lot of oxygen into the air. Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts using the…...

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References

Anne StClair, 2007. Helium. The importance of plant life in the global food chain. Retrieved April 19, 2012 from  http://www.helium.com/items/255011-the-importance-of-plant-life-in-the-global-food-chain 

Ecochem, 1998. Phosynthesis, Respiration and transpiration. Retrieved April 19, 2012 from http://www.ecochem.com/resource_transpiration.html

Global change, 2012. A Premier on Photosynthesis and the Functioning of cells. Retrieved April

9, 2012 from  http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange1/current/lectures/kling/energyflow/psn_primer.html

Height
Height

Color

Discussion of Graph:

The graph tracks the different heights. Blue light shows better results than red or yellow light. Blue is part of the white light spectrum, so it is understandable that the results would be similar. hite light had to be used as a control factor

Conclusion

Soybean development under blue light was similar in several respects to that of shaded plants. It was consistent with an important role in the regulation of growth. Therefore, soybeans from blue light conditions partitioned relatively more growth to leaves than red and blue only. The results confirm the general hypothesis. Experimental design was a key factor in the success of the scientific inquiry due to control and uniformity. The investigation can be replicated due to the ease of acquisition of the experimental materials and the uniformity of conditions. The replication of an experiment is an evaluation of validity because it eliminates chance occurrence as…...

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Works Cited

Briggs, W.R., & Christie, J.M. (2002). Phototropins 1 and 2: versatile plant.

Trends in Plant Science, 7(5), 204-210.

Britz, S.J., & Sager, J.C. (1990). Photomorphogenesis and photoassimilation in soybean and sorghum grown under broad spectrum or blue-deficient light sources. Plant Physiology, 94, 448-454.

Erickson, R.O., & Silk, W.K. (1980, May). The kinematics of plant growth.

Photosynthesis is the process by the help of which plants make their own food by capturing the solar energy. Solar cell as compared to the plants coverts the sunlight into electric energy in order to be used by the human beings. This paper aims to highlight the differences and similarities between a plant cell and a solar cell in addition to the application of laws of thermodynamics to each system.
Laws of Thermodynamics

In the case of photosynthesis and the solar cells, three laws of thermodynamics are applicable. According to the first law of thermodynamics, energy, or mass cannot be created nor they can be destroyed (ana, 2008, p. 67). The first law of thermodynamics is fulfilled by the plant cells as no new energy or mass is being created but solar energy is being converted into chemical energy or electric energy in the case of solar cells. Second law says that…...

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References

Nelson, J. (2003). The physics of solar cells, Volume 2 of Series on Properties of Semiconductor Materials. Imperial College Press.

Rana, F. (2008). The cell's design: how chemistry reveals the Creator's artistry. Baker Books.

Excited electrons are captured by primary electron acceptor of the Photosystem II electron transport chain. This system also splits molecules of water into 1/2 O2, 2H+ and 2 electrons. This process is termed noncyclic because the electrons that pass through here do not return to the original photosystem. Photolysis, an ultraviolet light-mediated nonenzymatic reaction, generates H+ ions replacing those lost in the photosystems. This is explained through the chemiosmosis theory which states that as electrons are transported to the electron transport chain some energy is released which are used to pump protons across the thyalakoid membrane from the stroma of the chloroplast. This produces a proton gradient or what is called, proton motive force. This same force is used to generate ATP from ADP and Pi.
What are the roles of NADH and NADPH in cellular respiration and photosynthesis?

NADH, together with FADH2 is produced from three processes, namely: glycolysis, fatty…...

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Bibliography

A.L. Lehninger, et. al., Principles of Biochemistry, 2nd ed. Worth Publishers, NY, 1993.

R.K. Murray, et. al., Harper's Biochemistry, 24th ed. Appleton & Lange, 1993. http://student.ccbcmd.edu/~gkaiser/biotutorials/photosyn/fg4.html

 http://ghs.gresham.k12.or.us/science/ps/sci/ibbio/cellenergy/photosynnotesz/photosyn/noncyclic.html 

http://student.ccbcmd.edu/courses/bio141/lecguide/unit6/metabolism/photosyn/photo.html

Cellular espiration and Function
Every living organism needs energy to survive since all cells require energy in order to perform the necessary biochemical reactions that sustain homeostasis within an organism. Cellular respiration and photosynthesis can be described as processes through which living organisms gain and utilize energy. However, photosynthesis is the process through which plant cell obtain and utilize energy from the sun and make it available to all living things. During this process, plants capture energy from the sun and transform it into chemical energy. Moreover, photosynthesis entails combining carbon dioxide and water into simple sugars like glucose through the use of energy from the sun (Editorial Board, 2012, p.51). In contrast, cellular respiration is the process through which cells are allowed to tap into the energy stored during photosynthesis. This process entails chemical reactions that break down glucose before converting it into a huge amount of ATP. The ATP…...

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References

Editorial Board. (2012). Biology (1st ed.). Schaumburg, IL: Words of Wisdom, LLC.

"How are Respiration and Photosynthesis Related?" (n.d.). UCSB Science Line. Retrieved from UC Santa Barbara -- University of California website:  http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/index.html

Cellular respiration is the process whereby living cells gain energy through the oxidation of organic substances, which maybe, carbohydrates, proteins or fats. The preferred source of nutrient for most cells in the body is glucose. (ussell, 2004)
The first step in cellular respiration is glycolysis. The end product in this stage of respiration for cells with mitochondria and an adequate supply of oxygen is Pyruvate. This is a series of ten reactions that yields two NADH and two ATP molecules. Oxygen is required here to re-oxidize the NADH formed during the oxidation of glyceraldehyde 3- phosphate. This is called aerobic respiration. Alternatively, in cells with decreased or absent oxygen molecules, glucose is converted to pyruvate, which is reduced to form NADH to form lactate. This is called anaerobic glycolysis since there is no net formation of NADH. Anaerobic respiration occurs in oxygen deprived cells and in red blood cells because they…...

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REFERENCES:

Farabee, M.J. (2010, May 18). Photosynthesis. Retrieved from http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookps.html

Russell, B. (2004, Feburary 18). Cellular respiration. Retrieved from http://www.biology.iupui.edu/biocourses/N100/2k4ch7respirationnotes.html

The hypothesis here is that it is the quality of the light, not the quantity of the light that makes a difference, and having a lot more light will not necessarily make photosynthesis occur any faster.
Discussion

With an experiment like this there is always room for error. Measurements taken incorrectly is the biggest problem, because there are multiple steps to be taken each time the light source is moved, and it is very important to ensure that this is being addressed correctly. The quality of the plant and its health could also affect whether it produced photosynthesis rates that are appropriate and generalized for its species, as well. These are variables that can only be controlled to a certain degree and, as such, have to be accounted for.

Materials and Methods

In this experiment, the goal is to measure the rate of photosynthesis that Elodea shoots have when they are exposed to…...

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Bibliography

Plants and the environment (2003). Ohio State University.  http://www.osu.edu/plants/enviroplants.htm 

The soil environment. (2004). http://organiclifesytles.tamu.edu/soilbasics/soilenvironment.html

Understanding the environment (1997). Wisconsin Fast Plants. University of Wisconsin-Madison.

photosynthesis chemosynthesis. Determine significant step regard harnessing energy process, explain? 1 page Choosing credible sources: As a business person politician, assume talking staff.
How do different cultures and age differences affect workplace relations?

Just like no workplaces project is alike, no project team is alike in terms of the background and values of the individuals that make up the team. All too often it is tempting to assume that our personal values are universal values. Something as simple as personal space can feel very intuitive, even though what is considered the 'correct' distance is actually culturally determined. In many societies, such as Mediterranean cultures, a very close distance between two conversing parties is normal. In other cultures, a respectful distance is demanded, particularly between superiors and subordinates. A Japanese-American manager might find his Italian-American employee to be excessively familiar and confrontational, simply because the man stands too close to him and…...

The Golgi receives new proteins and lipids from the ER, finishes them up, addresses them and sends them to their final destination. In this way, the Golgi could be the postal service of the city. Lysosomes get rid of unusable waste within the cell and recycles those materials that can be reused, making it the recycling and garbage center of the city. Mitochondria are where ATP, the main energy molecule, is made. It could be considered the city's power plant. Then we have the cell's cytoskeleton, which gives the cell its shape, strength and its ability to move. It can be looked at as the roadways and bridges of the city. ("Chemical Composition of the Body," 2005)
Cells do not act alone and have help from things like enzymes to complete their job. Enzymes are proteins make chemical reactions within cells occur faster ("Chemical Composition of the Body," 2005). ithout…...

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WORKS CITED

Biology-Online. (2005, May 15) "Chemical composition of the body." Retrieved December 2, 2011 from www.biology-online.org/9/1_chemical_composition.htm.

Farabee, M.J. (2010a, May 18) Online Biology Book. "Introduction: The nature of science and biology." Retrieved December 1, 2011 from www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookintro.html .

(2010b, May 18) Online Biology Book. "Chemistry II: Water and organic materials." Retrieved December 2, 2011 from www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookchem2.html .

Whitmarsh, John and Govindjee. (1995) "Photosynthesis." Encyclopedia of Applied Physics.(Vol. 13): 513-532. VCH Publishers, Inc.

Geology
(1) Discuss which of the interrelationships between the environmental spheres, in your experience, has had the biggest effect on human society, or vice versa. Give some examples.

The work of Manahan (2005) explains that there are four traditional environmental spheres including the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere and the biosphere. It is related however, that a fifth sphere should be included and that is the anthrosphere, which consists of "the things humans make and do." (Manahan, 2005) The atmosphere is reported as a very thin layer compared to the size of Earth, with most atmospheric gases lying within a few kilometers of sea level. The atmosphere serves a vital protective function in that it absorbs highly energetic ultraviolet radiation from the sun that would kill living organisms exposed to it.

A specifically important aspect of the atmosphere is that the atmosphere serves a vital protective function in that it absorbs highly energetic ultraviolet radiation…...

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Bibliography

Website:  http://eo.ucar.edu/asl/pdfs/ASLbrochureFINAL.pdf 

Thomas, WA (2004) Meeting Challenges with Geologic Maps. AGI Environmental Awareness Series. Retrieved from:  http://www.agiweb.org/environment/publications/mapping/mappingbook.pdf 

Choi, CQ (2012) Jupiter's Moon's Ocean May Be Too Acidic for Life. Space. Retrieved from:  http://www.space.com/14757-europa-moon-ocean-acidic.html 

Jovian Planets vs. Terrestrial Planets (2012) Buzzle. Retrieved from:  http://www.buzzle.com/articles/jovian-planets-vs.-terrestrial-planets.html

1. The Role of Plants in the Earth's Ecosystem

Discuss the significance of plants in producing oxygen through photosynthesis and absorbing carbon dioxide, thus maintaining the balance of atmospheric gases.
Explore the role of plants in nutrient cycling, soil conservation, and providing habitat and food for wildlife.
Analyze the impact of human activities, such as deforestation and pollution, on plant communities and ecosystem health.

2. Plant Adaptations to Diverse Environments

Describe the various adaptations that plants have evolved to survive in different habitats, including deserts, rainforests, and aquatic environments.
Discuss how plant structures, such as leaf morphology, root systems, and reproductive....

1. Greenhouse gas emissions: The burning of fossil fuels for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes releases a significant amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and contribute to global warming.

2. Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, and urban development reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Deforestation also releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, further exacerbating climate change.

3. Industrial agriculture: The expansion of industrial agriculture practices, including the use of chemical fertilizers and deforestation for crop cultivation, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, livestock farming....

Essay Topics on Codiaeum Variegatum

1. The Biology of Codiaeum Variegatum

Taxonomy and phylogeny of Codiaeum variegatum
Morphology and anatomy of the plant
Photosynthesis and metabolism in Codiaeum variegatum
Environmental factors influencing growth and development

2. The Cultivation and Applications of Codiaeum Variegatum

Propagation techniques for Codiaeum variegatum
Cultural practices for optimal growth and foliage display
Landscaping applications of Codiaeum variegatum
Traditional and medicinal uses of Codiaeum variegatum

3. The Genetic Diversity and Variation in Codiaeum Variegatum

Natural variation and genetic diversity within Codiaeum variegatum
Breeding and selection techniques for new cultivars
Conservation and preservation of Codiaeum variegatum genetic resources

4. The Physiological and....

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose to produce ATP (energy).

In animal cells, cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria, where glucose is broken down through a series of metabolic reactions to produce ATP. The final products of cellular respiration in animal cells are carbon dioxide and water.

In plant cells, cellular respiration also occurs in the mitochondria, but plants have an additional organelle called chloroplasts that allow them to perform photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. The glucose produced through photosynthesis is then used in cellular respiration to....