How Evolution Messed Up Photosynthesis

About this Taster Session

Photosynthesis is the process that powers life on Earth. It’s elegant, essential… and surprisingly inefficient. So why did evolution leave us with a system that wastes energy, struggles with oxygen, and relies on a sluggish enzyme?

In this eye-opening talk, we’ll explore:

• How photosynthesis actually works – from light reactions to the Calvin cycle
• Why the enzyme RuBisCO is both vital and disastrously slow
• How evolutionary chance, not perfect design, shaped one of biology’s most important pathways
• What plants (and scientists) are doing to work around the problem

Along the way, we’ll uncover some fascinating links between photosynthesis, enzyme kinetics, and evolution – and ask: can we fix what nature left flawed?

Perfect for A-level Biology and Chemistry students, this talk blends cutting-edge science with a dose of evolutionary irony.

Who’s it for?

Students up to 18 years in school or college.

Key topics covered

• Evolution
• Enzyme kinetics
• Photosynthesis

How do I book?

If you would like to book a session, please email SCL@hull.ac.uk

Also available for pre-16 students

This session can also be adapted for pre-16 students