Photosynthesis (光合作用) is a unique skill of green plants — they turn water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and food via sunlight. A group of Chinese scientists, however, “copied” the process on animals.
To understand the new breakthrough, it is important to know how photosynthesis works. Plants take in carbon dioxide and water from the air and soil. Within the plant cell, the water is oxidized. This transforms the water into oxygen and the carbon dioxide into glucose (葡萄糖). The plant then releases the oxygen back into the air and stores energy within the glucose molecules. In the study, the researchers from Zhejiang University developed an independent and controllable photosynthetic system, according to the study published in Nature in early December, 2022.
They separated thylakoids (类囊体), a part of the cell where light reactions take place in plants, from young spinach leaves. The scientists then wrapped the thylakoids with the cover of animal cells, which made the implanted thylakoids more acceptable to foreign bodies. The mice used in the study were suffering from arthritis, meaning cells in their cartilage had degenerated and could not be repaired by themselves. With the thylakoids implanted into the mice and exposed to light, the mice recovered. Their metabolism returned to normal.
In arthritis, the patients usually have energy loss since fewer energy-carrying molecules are generated. The implant, however, can correct the imbalance by storing more energy via photosynthesis. The researchers also claimed that their tests would have medical usage.
It can be used as part of the solution for degenerative diseases because the natural photosynthesis system may repair cells. It may also delay the aging process in cells. The study showed “an exciting achievement that opens up possibilities of metabolism engineering,” commented one of the paper’s reviewers Francisco Cejudo from the University of Seville in Spain, reported Xinhua.
8. What is mainly mentioned in the paragraph 2?
A.The theory behind the experiment. | B.The background of the experiment. |
C.The procedures of the experiment. | D.The effects of the experiment. |
9. According to the passage, what is the following information true?
A.A group of Chinese scientists copied the photosynthesis of animals on plants. |
B.The place in which the plant stores energy is thylakoids. |
C.The thylakoids wrapped by animal cells make itself accepted with ease by foreign bodies. |
D.This therapy has been used as part of the solution for degenerative diseases. |
10. What is the attitude of a commentator towards the existing studies about the study?
A.Cautious. | B.Approving. | C.Doubtful. | D.Uncertain. |
11. What is the passage mainly about?
A.Effective Photosynthesis. |
B.Breakthroughs made by a group of Chinese scientists. |
C.Chinese scientists who copied Photosynthesis on animals. |
D.Chinese scientists copied Photosynthesis on animals. |