Why can't lutein photosynthesize? The nature of photosynthesis and respiration

Photosynthesis converts solar energy into chemical energy. In addition to being used by plants themselves and all heterotrophic organisms, it is more importantly a source of energy for human nutrition and activities. All biological life activities require energy consumption, which comes from the energy of sugars, lipids, and proteins in the body, and is of great significance. Photosynthesis requires blue-violet light and red-orange light. White light contains blue-violet light and red-orange light, as long as it is not irradiated with green light. The following is the essence of photosynthesis and respiration.

Contents of this article

1. Why can’t lutein photosynthesize?

2. The nature of photosynthesis and respiration

3. Does photosynthesis require sunlight?

Why can't lutein photosynthesize?

Lutein is a type of carotenoid and an important pigment that absorbs light energy. So it cannot be said that it does not participate in photosynthesis. It is just that chlorophyll is the main absorber of light energy.

Lutein itself is an antioxidant and can absorb harmful light such as blue light.

Lutein, also known as "plant lutein", is an oxygen-containing carotenoid that is widely found in natural plants such as marigold, banana, kiwi and corn. It is an excellent antioxidant that can resist oxygen free radicals from causing cell and organ damage in the human body and prevent cardiovascular sclerosis, coronary heart disease and other symptoms caused by aging. The most important thing is that lutein is the only carotenoid component that can exist in the lens of the eye. It is the main pigment and antioxidant component of the retinal macula. Many ophthalmic diseases are closely related to the lack of lutein. It can be seen that lutein plays an important protective role for the eyes.

The nature of photosynthesis and respiration

The essence of photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, through chloroplasts, use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic matter that stores energy and releases oxygen.

The essence of respiration is that cells use oxygen to decompose organic matter into carbon dioxide and water, and release the energy stored in the organic matter to meet the needs of life activities.

Photosynthesis converts solar energy into chemical energy and stores it in the organic compounds formed. In addition to being used by the plants themselves and all heterotrophic organisms, the chemical energy stored in organic matter is more importantly a source of energy for human nutrition and activities. Respiration is a chemical process in which organisms oxidize and decompose organic matter in cells to generate energy. It is a life activity that all animals and plants have. The life activities of organisms require energy consumption. This energy comes from the energy of sugars, lipids, and proteins in the organisms, which is of great significance.

Does photosynthesis require sunlight?

Most lights are fine, such as fluorescent lights. Photosynthesis requires blue-violet light and red-orange light. White light contains blue-violet light and red-orange light. It can be used without green light. Photosynthesis is the synthesis of light energy. It is a biochemical process in which plants, algae and some bacteria, under the irradiation of visible light, use photosynthetic pigments to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic matter and release oxygen through light and dark reactions. Photosynthesis is the sum of a series of complex metabolic reactions. It is the basis for the survival of the biological world and an important medium for the earth's carbon-oxygen cycle.