Skip to main content

Can we artificially do photosynthesis and get purified oxygen as a product?

Oxygen is one of the products of photosynthesis in plants and algae. The particular step occurs in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Water is split to release electrons, protons (H+), and oxygen. The electrons are then excited by sunlight within photosystem II and then passed along the electron transport chain toward photosystem I in the thylakoid membrane. Along the way, more protons (H+) are pumped to the side of the membrane where the water is...

Oxygen is one of the products of photosynthesis in plants and algae. The particular step occurs in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Water is split to release electrons, protons (H+), and oxygen. The electrons are then excited by sunlight within photosystem II and then passed along the electron transport chain toward photosystem I in the thylakoid membrane. Along the way, more protons (H+) are pumped to the side of the membrane where the water is split, creating a proton gradient. The gradient is used to make ATP to fuel the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis.


If you wanted to synthetically produce oxygen in a manner similar to photosynthesis, you would just need a device to split water into its components: hydrogen and oxygen. You can do this with electricity. You need a power source, an anode and a cathode (each connected to the power source), and salt to be dissolved in the water. The battery/power source will send electrons to the cathode and electrons will move from the anode toward the battery in this electrolytic cell.  


Hydrogen ions (H+) accumulate near the cathode and gain electrons, forming hydrogen gas. Oxygen ions, being negative, accumulate near the anode, give up their electrons, and form oxygen gas. Although the hydrogens are used differently in photosynthesis (to create a H+ gradient), the oxygen that is formed via photosynthesis is also the result of the splitting of water.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...

In A People's History of the United States, why does Howard Zinn feel that Wilson made a flimsy argument for entering World War I?

"War is the health of the state," the radical writer Randolph Bourne said, in the midst of the First World War. Indeed, as the nations of Europe went to war in 1914, the governments flourished, patriotism bloomed, class struggle was stilled, and young men died in frightful numbers on the battlefields-often for a hundred yards of land, a line of trenches. -- Chapter 14, Page 350, A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn outlines his arguments for why World War I was fought in the opening paragraph of Chapter 14 (referenced above). The nationalism that was created by the Great War benefited the elite political and financial leadership of the various countries involved. Socialism, which was gaining momentum in Europe, as was class struggle, took a backseat to mobilizing for war. Zinn believes that World War I was fought for the gain of the industrial capitalists of Europe in a competition for capital and resources. He states that humanity itself was punished by t...

Where did Atticus take the light and extension cord in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...