• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Dscoop Post-Show Coverage

    Slitter-Rewinders

    Craft Beer Labels

    Pharmaceutical Labels

    Luminer Converting Group: Narrow Web Profile
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Brook + Whittle's new acquisition, SunDance goes to HP and more

    Specialty announces move to new facility

    Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw

    Nazdar celebrates 100th anniversary with refreshed brand identity

    Kingfisher Labels adds 10th Edale press
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Brook + Whittle's new acquisition, SunDance goes to HP and more

    World’s first tequila in a cardboard bottle

    In-Mold Decorating Association announces 2022 IMDA Awards Competition

    Five approaches for more sustainable beauty packaging

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Specialty announces move to new facility

    Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw

    Kingfisher Labels adds 10th Edale press

    Dantex Group receives accreditation for Pico digital presses

    Heidelberg USA launches new Print Media Performance & Training Center
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw

    Kingfisher Labels adds 10th Edale press

    Dantex Group receives accreditation for Pico digital presses

    World’s first tequila in a cardboard bottle

    EyeC unveils revamped website
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw

    Kingfisher Labels adds 10th Edale press

    Dantex Group receives accreditation for Pico digital presses

    EyeC unveils revamped website

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Nazdar celebrates 100th anniversary with refreshed brand identity

    Avery Dennison announces Global Supplier Award winners

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Heidelberg USA

    Spinnaker Coating, LLC

    SCENTISPHERE, LLC

    Ashe Converting Equipment

    KTI
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Substrates
      • Pressrooom Supplies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Letters From The Earth

    Improving photosynthesis

    ...

    Improving photosynthesis
    Related CONTENT
    • AWA Release Liner Seminar reviews a changing market
    • Channeled Resources Group Booth 1211
    • TLMI Booth 99
    • Labels truly can be a life, death and health influence
    • Sustainable investing
    Calvin Frost10.12.18
    Photosynthesis is the essence of life, in more than one way or another. In photosynthesis, plants use the energy of the sun to turn air and water into sugar, the food that plants use to build their tissue that feeds the world.  When we emit carbon dioxide and methane gases into the atmosphere we are harming the photosynthetic cycle, which restores growth and this affects the balance of nature.  That is really why “climate change” is so catastrophic.  This column is about the importance of the sun and how our scientists are working to make photosynthesis more efficient and effective.

    But first, we’re back to that word balance, aren’t we!  The real message in all of this is that when lifecycle, in this case photosynthesis, gets out of balance, we begin to witness erratic behavior.  Just think of the cost to the world economy, the loss of life, the effect on economics. Balance is so critical.  And we sure don’t have it today. Back to the topic, photosynthesis.
    In large measure, the world, yes, the world, runs on photosynthesis.  It’s really a miracle drug. Very simply, green plants take carbon from the carbon dioxide in the air and hydrogen and oxygen from water to make sugar.  This makes food that builds tissue.  Voila! Wikipedia is a bit more precise:

    Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that can later be released to fuel the organisms’ activities (energy transformation).  This chemical energy is stored in carbohydrate molecules, such as sugars, which are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water – hence the name photosynthesis, from the Greek, phos, “light,” and synthesis, “putting together.  In most cases, oxygen is also released as a waste product. Most plants, most algae, and cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis; such organisms are called photoautotrophs.  Photosynthesis is largely responsible for producing and maintaining the oxygen content of the Earth’s atmosphere, and supplies all of the organic compounds and most of the energy necessary for life on Earth.

    As much as I love the Greek, you won’t believe the next paragraph in Wikipedia. Mr. Editor, please, this is not fiction.  “In plants, long term storage in the form of only sugars is produced by a subsequent sequence of light – independent reactions called the Calvin cycle.” So, since I’ve been around before the Greeks, I’m not sure why people, dogs and cats, don’t listen to my message. Okay, Calvin humor.

    Photosynthesis begins when sunlight strikes molecules of chlorophyll bundled into packets called chloroplasts within the leaves. I realize this is Biology 101, but it’s important because the photosynthetic process is definitely being affected by climate change.  So, to continue for a bit, chlorophyll is green. That’s because it “absorbs energy mostly from the blue and red ends of the spectrum of visible light, reflecting yellow and green wavelengths back to our eyes.”  What happens when sunlight hits the green leaf is quite complex, but here’s a simplified explanation:

    A photon of sunlight strikes a molecule of chlorophyll and its energy is escorted through a chain of systems to a reaction center where the energy is transferred to an electron. This high-energy electron is used to reduce water to H+ and O2.  The O2 is given off as oxygen gas. Nearly all of the oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere has come from green plants, cyanobacteria or green algae.  The H+ ions are used to create two energy storage compounds, called NADPH and ATP, that fuel the metabolic processes of plant cells. It’s this energy that’s also used to create sugar from CO2 and water. Because sunlight comes and goes through day and night, and fluctuates under clear skies and heavy cloud cover, complex life could not have evolved without the photosynthesis that permits solar energy to be stored for use by plants when the sun isn’t shining.

    The fascinating part, at least to me, is the enormous amount of energy being generated by photosynthesis. If you do the research you’ll learn that photosynthesis, globally, generates about 130 trillion watts, which is almost three times the current power consumption of the entire human civilization. Further, this is only “one tenth of one percent of the total solar energy that is available” for us here on earth. Read that again because it explains why we’re so interested in solar.  There’s so much available!  There are a couple of other points to keep in mind: one, the effect that climate change can have on the balance of photosynthesis. As you have read above, while the process is simple, it is also extremely delicate. And, two, the gigantic opportunity to attempt to harness the energy of the sun is obviously attractive because it is free.  Interestingly, I just read that we have three times the number of people working in the solar energy sector than we have in the coal industry.  Surely there’s a message here!

    In spite of all this potential energy, there are some shortcomings.  First, it isn’t always sunny. Second, sunlight can have “bursts” of intensity, which can affect the very fragile photosynthetic process. Scientists have been looking for ways to stabilize and improve the efficiency of sunlight, which as you now realize is the catalyst for photosynthesis. Not to drag you through more biology, suffice it to say that a number of research laboratories are tweaking and modifying enzymes so that plant growth will be more stable regardless of sunlight. Fussing with nature and the natural process is tricky, and while there is progress, we are still “light” years away from growing crops that have been enhanced by “artificial photosynthesis.” For sure, photosynthesis, as we know it today, is the essence of life.

    In my next column I plan to discuss the incredible growth of solar energy and why the technology is in harmony with photosynthesis.  Indeed, the more things change and the more out of balance we become, the greater the need for corrective counter activities that attempt to enhance the natural balance of LIFE!

    Another Letter from the Earth.



    Calvin Frost is chairman of Channeled Resources Group, headquartered in Chicago, the parent company of Maratech International and GMC Coating. His email address is
    cfrost@channeledresources.com.
    Related Searches
    • first
    • food
    • waste
    • life
    Suggested For You
    AWA Release Liner Seminar reviews a changing market AWA Release Liner Seminar reviews a changing market
    Channeled Resources Group Booth 1211 Channeled Resources Group Booth 1211
    TLMI Booth 99 TLMI Booth 99
    Labels truly can be a life, death and health influence Labels truly can be a life, death and health influence
    Sustainable investing Sustainable investing
    Sticks and carrots Sticks and carrots
    Channeled Resources Group certified by WEBNC Channeled Resources Group certified by WEBNC
    RotoMetrics celebrates an RotoMetrics celebrates an 'Exploration of Print' at UK event
    Labelexpo Americas 2018 Product Preview Labelexpo Americas 2018 Product Preview
    When do you start to think about the end of your career? When do you start to think about the end of your career?
    A monster of a problem A monster of a problem
    Now is the month of Maying… Now is the month of Maying…
    TLMI Ecovillage to launch at Labelexpo Americas TLMI Ecovillage to launch at Labelexpo Americas
    Passing Gas, Keeping Score Passing Gas, Keeping Score
    Registration open for Labelexpo Americas 2018 Registration open for Labelexpo Americas 2018

    Related Content

    • North America
      AWA Release Liner Seminar reviews a changing market

      AWA Release Liner Seminar reviews a changing market

      The one-day event covered several topics, including sustainability, liner recycling, linerless labels, market data and more.
      10.02.18

    • Channeled Resources Group Booth 1211

      Cost-saving PS Materials
      09.20.18

    • TLMI Booth 99

      Sustainability
      09.20.18


    • Labels truly can be a life, death and health influence

      From allergies to aspartame, does packaging disclose enough?
      Mark Lusky 09.10.18

    • Sustainable investing

      ...
      Calvin Frost 09.10.18


      Trending
      • Specialty Announces Move To New Facility | Label and Narrow Web
      • Specialty announces move to new facility
      • The Progression Of Paper Mills | Label and Narrow Web
      • Avery Dennison Announces Global Supplier Award Winners | Label and Narrow Web
      • Heidelberg USA Launches New Print Media Performance & Training Center | Label and Narrow Web
      Breaking News
      • Brook + Whittle's new acquisition, SunDance goes to HP and more
      • Specialty announces move to new facility
      • Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw
      • Nazdar celebrates 100th anniversary with refreshed brand identity
      • Kingfisher Labels adds 10th Edale press
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      April 2022

      • Dscoop Post-Show Coverage
      • Slitter-Rewinders
      • Craft Beer Labels
      • Pharmaceutical Labels
      • Luminer Converting Group

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      GOED Creates Infographic Highlighting Omega-3 Health Claims Approved in Europe
      Kyowa Hakko Appoints Dr. Colin Hill to Immuse Scientific Advisory Board
      Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      What Are You Reading?
      Teknos Receives EcoVadis Gold Medal for Sustainability Performance
      AkzoNobel and Partners Team Up to Hack Carbon Reduction Challenges
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      MPO's Most-Read Stories This Week—May 21
      Iterative Scopes Expands its Senior Leadership Team
      Viz.ai Raises $100 Million in Series D Funding
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Piramal Pharma Solutions New API Plant in Canada Now Online
      MG America Appoints Claudio Radossi as President
      Catalent Invests $175M to Expand Mfg. Capabilities at Winchester, KY
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Authentic Beauty Concept Launches Second-Generation ‘Refill Bar’
      HASK Beauty Enters Exclusive Partnership with Amazon
      Garance Doré Launches Made in France Skincare Line
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      P&G Closes HQ Due To Security Threat, Launches New Hair Care Line
      SPF Setting Spray, Lip Contour and Knotless Braids Are Hot Trends: Spate
      Nutrafol Launches Collagen Infusion
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Weekly Recap: Zeller+Gmelin, Sun Chemical and Kornit Top This Week’s News
      Nazdar Celebrates 100 Years with a New Look
      hubergroup Chemicals Exhibits at Paint India for First Time
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Brook + Whittle's new acquisition, SunDance goes to HP and more
      Specialty announces move to new facility
      Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Weekly Recap: Kimberly-Clark to Expand Diaper, Wipes Production in Brazil; The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart & More
      3M to Expand in Nebraska
      Nicely Offers Nonwoven Slitters, Winders
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      ODT's Most Read Stories This Week—May 21
      FDA Clears Anika Therapeutics' X-Twist Knotless Fixation System
      Paragon 28 Rolls Out TenoTac 2.0 Hammertoe and Soft Tissue Repair
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Weekly Recap: Graphene Flagship, Japan Display and LG Display Top This Week’s Stories
      Evonik Launches New Processing Aids for PV Wafer Cutting
      NREL Creates Highest Efficiency 1-Sun Solar Cell

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login