Photosynthesis

Laura Bowater

Immortal motes of sunlight float, 
illuminate and illustrate calm leafy canopies.
They dapple,
and liberate 

discrete photons of electromagnetic energy, 
oscillate and radiate through time and space.
They drift, 
and land on

lush leaves of chlorophyll green,
receive and respond to light touch signals.
They detect,
and locate

taut discs of thrumming membranes, 
sort and absorb iridescent, prismatic waves.
They discern,
and link 

ordered, energetic molecular networks,
secure and capture carbon air, split water.
They drive,
and launch

stitched ladders of sugar rich molecules,
stimulate and activate cycles of organic growth.
They develop,
and lose

wasted clouds of life-giving oxygen,
diffuse and depart, leaf borne stomata.
They disperse,
and lift.

The Science

Photosynthesis is the ultimate process of transformation where light energy is harvested and is converted into biological chemicals that living organisms depend on. This process has transformed the atmosphere of planet earth and enabled lifeforms to flourish and multiply. Although photosynthesis can be undertaken by certain bacteria and algae, this poem focuses on green plants. It describes how plant molecules absorb light energy from the sun and transform this into chemical energy to be stored as glucose or used in other key cellular processes that underpin plant life and metabolism. The process is elegant in its simplicity but magnificent in its complexity. Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plants. The absorbed light energy enables plant cells to split water molecules into oxygen, protons, and electrons.  This allows energy-rich, molecules of ATP and NADPH, to be generated. Carbon dioxide from the air is fixed by combining it with ATP and NADPH to form glucose through a series of reactions known as the Calvin cycle and glucose is transformed into other biochemical molecules. Oxygen, the life-giving molecule, is then released as a byproduct of water splitting.

The Poet

Professor Laura Bowater has a passion for science communication. An established microbiologist, Laura is currently the Head of Peninsula Medical School at the University of Plymouth. Laura has authored several books, including Science Communication: A Practical Guide for Scientists, Biochemistry: the Molecules of Life, and The Microbes Fight Back: Antibiotic Resistance. Laura’s work as a science communicator and her commitment to raising awareness about antibiotic resistance has earned her numerous accolades, including an MBE for services to research and education.

Next poem: Pressure Changes by Meg Freer