Answer:
Humans are unable to perform photosynthesis due to the absence of specialized cellular structures and pigments required for this process. Photosynthesis is a complex metabolic pathway that occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria. It involves the use of chloroplasts, which are organelles containing chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy.
During photosynthesis, chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which is then utilized to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This chemical transformation takes place within the chloroplasts of plant cells. However, humans and other animals lack chloroplasts and chlorophyll, making us incapable of directly utilizing sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis.
Instead, humans have evolved with mitochondria, which are specialized organelles responsible for cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process by which glucose and oxygen are broken down within cells to release energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Mitochondria are adept at carrying out this vital energy conversion process.
While both photosynthesis and cellular respiration are fundamental processes for sustaining life, organisms have evolved diverse strategies to meet their energy needs. Plants have adapted to utilize sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water for photosynthesis, whereas humans and other animals rely on consuming organic matter, such as plants or other animals, and performing cellular respiration to extract energy from the nutrients we consume.
Step-by-step explanation: