What is the evolutionary advantage for organisms that are able to photosynthesize?

What is the evolutionary advantage for organisms that are able to photosynthesize?

Acquiring the machinery of photosynthesis gave those early organisms a huge evolutionary advantage, one they readily exploited. Over the millions of years that followed, this ability to make use of the Sun’s energy helped give rise to the great diversity of living things on the planet. Then, as now, light equaled life.

How are eyespots useful to algae?

The eyespot apparatus (or stigma) is a photoreceptive organelle found in the flagellate or (motile) cells of green algae and other unicellular photosynthetic organisms such as euglenids. Eyespot-mediated light perception helps the cells in finding an environment with optimal light conditions for photosynthesis.

Why is light important to algae?

Algae form organic food molecules from carbon dioxide and water through the process of photosynthesis, in which they capture energy from sunlight.

Why is photosynthesis essential to both Autotrophs and Heterotrophs?

Explanation: Most autotrophs make their “food” through photosynthesis using the energy of the sun. Heterotrophs cannot make their own food, so they must eat or absorb it. Food provides both the energy to do work and the carbon to build bodies.

How do animals and other Heterotrophs rely on the products of photosynthesis to survive?

First, photosynthesis consumes carbon dioxide (a waste product of respiration) and produces oxygen (necessary for respiration). Heterotrophs therefore depend on photosynthesis as a source of oxygen. In addition, photosynthesis sustains the organisms that heterotrophs consume in order to stay alive.

How do eyespots help Volvox survive?

Volvox never stop swimming; they can respond to a change in light by turning quickly. The cells with the eyespots nearest the light shut off their flagella and the active cells propel the volvox toward the light. Volvox are able to coordinate their movements without a brain or any nerve cells to connect them.

What is the importance of gullet in euglena?

In the green one-celled organism Euglena, the eyespot is located in the gullet, at the base of the flagellum (a whiplike locomotory structure). A cup-shaped mass of pigment rods shields a sensitive area of the flagellar base from light coming from the direction of the opposite end of the organism.

How does sunlight affect algae growth?

Light: Algae needs light energy to grow. The more sunlight that penetrates the area, the higher the chance for algae to sustain life. Nutrients: Nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, fuel algae growth. Temperature: Warmer water leads to increased algae growth.

How does light affect photosynthesis in algae?

Since the amount of light absorbed depends upon the pigment composition and concentration found in the alga, some algae absorb more light at a given wavelength, and therefore, potentially, those algae can convert more light energy of that wavelength to chemical energy via photosynthesis.

How do autotrophs benefit from heterotrophs?

Autotrophs are able to manufacture energy from the sun, but heterotrophs must rely on other organisms for energy. Heterotrophs benefit from photosynthesis in a variety of ways. They depend on the process for oxygen, which is produced as a byproduct during photosynthesis.

How does photosynthesis benefit heterotrophs and other organisms?

They depend on other organisms for food and oxygen. Photosynthesis benefits heterotrophs in several different ways. First, photosynthesis consumes carbon dioxide (a waste product of respiration) and produces oxygen (necessary for respiration). Heterotrophs therefore depend on photosynthesis as a source of oxygen.

Which is the best way to prevent photosensitivity?

The best way to prevent symptoms of photosensitivity is to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun. People who are photosensitive should always use sunscreen when outside.

What happens to people with Chronic photosensitivity to the Sun?

People with chronic photosensitivity may gravitate toward finding night work and sleeping during the day, while others just deal with the unsightly and uncomfortable rash. Photosensitivity can lead to social isolation due to an inability or unwillingness to expose your skin to the sun.

Are there any chemicals that can cause photosensitivity?

Some chemicals can cause photosensitivity and should be avoided. These chemicals can be found in some medications and products, such as some forms of chemotherapy. However, sometimes it’s not possible to avoid taking these medications.