This page is referenced by:

• 1 2021-04-25T21:14:17-07:00 Week 7 Note — Erin Kasiou 5 plain 2021-04-25T22:03:22-07:00

  The importance of Photosynthesis

  
  As this close reading correctly identifies, there is an abundance of benefits to be derived from planting trees. However, even Henry Cuyler Bunner himself fails to mention one of the most crucial; the conversion of carbon dioxide into oxygen. This process is the reason that life has evolved as we experience it on Earth here today and is necessary for the maintenance of the planet as we know it. Additionally, anthropocentrically, it is absolutely essential for human survival. This process is achieved by the green pigment chlorophyll, which is found in tiny chloroplasts in the cells of plants. It captures the light energy from the sun and uses it to power this conversion, which is achieved by the movement of ions and electrons in a two-phase cycle (Khan Academy n.d.). Each tree is a vital contributor to Earth's oxygen supply; one tree can produce the same amount of oxygen per season as ten people inhale a year, and the amount of oxygen released by two trees per annum corresponds to the yearly oxygen consumption of a family of four (Helmenstine 2019). From the necessity of the tiniest of molecules, to the massive contributions made by each individual tree, photoynthesis is a perfect example of my e-concept of scintillessentialism. 
  
  References
  
  Khan Academy n.d., Breaking down photosynthesis stages, online video, accessed 26 April 2021, <https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-energy-and-transport/hs-photosynthesis/v/breaking-down-photosynthesis-stages>
  
  Helmenstine, A.M. 2019, How Much Oxygen Does One Tree Produce?, ThoughtCo, accessed 26 April 2021, <https://www.thoughtco.com/how-much-oxygen-does-one-tree-produce-606785>