American Intercontinential University Cell Biology and Biochemistry Discussion

In your own words, answer this unit’s discussion questions in a main post (recommended minimum 200 words), and respond to at least 2 peers’ postings (recommended minimum 75 words).

After you have reviewed the Assignment Details below, click the Discussion Board link under the My Work heading above to open the Discussion Board and make your post.

Use these videos for help on how to post to the Discussion Board:

• AIU Student Mobile app view
• Desktop view

Assignment Details

Photosynthesis and Chloroplasts

You will read that only plants, algae, and some bacteria are photosynthetic. There is an exception to this, however. One species of sea slug has found a way to steal chloroplasts, store them in glands lining its digestive tract, and live on the sugar that is produced (Milius, 2010). The sea slug has even commandeered the genes to help repair these chloroplasts to keep them working for 9 months—longer than the algae would (Fang, 2015)!

What if animals and humans could be engineered to have chloroplasts and could then use photosynthesis?

Focus your discussion on 1 of the following topics:

• Describe at least 2 benefits and 2 drawbacks there might be for animal cells (including humans) to make their own food through photosynthesis.
• Explain which cells, tissues, or organs should be modified to lead to successful photosynthesis in animals or humans. Discuss how these compare to a plant’s leaves. 
• Describe the process of photosynthesis to explain at least 1 requirement for photosynthesis that would need to be considered for chloroplasts to function in an animal or a human.

Review the following links for materials to enhance your knowledge and assist with your discussion post:

• Chloroplast-Stealing Sea Slug
• Sea Slug Steals Photosynthesis Genes from Algae
• Solar-Powered Humans?
• Photosynthesis
• Chapter 5.2 (Light-Dependent Reactions of Photosynthesis for details on the function of chloroplasts) from your textbook Concepts in Biology.

In your own words, post a response to the Discussion Board, and comment on at least 2 other postings. You will be graded on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

Discussion Board Reminders:

• Must have three posts: A Main Post and two replies to peers.
  • First post: Either your main post or a reply to others must be posted before midnight CT (Central time) on Friday of each week.
  • Second and third post: Must be posted on a different day from the first post.
• Connect to Content: At least one post must refer to course learning materials. See the Academic Resource on Discussion Boards for help with connecting to the content.
• Engaging in Class Discussions: For more information on making the most of your class dialog, review the Academic Resource on Discussion Boards.

References

Fang, J. (2015, February 4). Sea slug steals photosynthesis genes from algae. IFLScience. http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/sea-slug-steals-photosynthesis-genes-its-algae-meal/

Farabee, M. J. (2007). Photosynthesis. https://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookPS.html

Lemaster, J. (2016, February 10). Solar-powered humans? Living Well Daily. https://livingwelldaily.com/solar-powered-humans/

Milius, S. (2010, January 1). Green sea slug is part animal, part plant. Wired. http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/01/green-sea-slug/