Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

red75prime t1_iyebe7r wrote

Today, yes. But leaves and algae are green, not black. It points to a possibility of enhancement.

I haven't found comparative data on biomass production by purple phototrophic bacteria, but it may be possible that they outcompete chlorophyll-based photosynthesis. Unfortunately, they are anaerobic.

1

cy13erpunk t1_iyeof6l wrote

they clearly do not outcompete otherwise they would be the dominate photosynthesis on earth

they might outperform in a very specific laboratory setting [ie narrow task], these are two different arguments

2

red75prime t1_iyep4zy wrote

Of course they can't compete after the great oxygenation event. It doesn't mean that their chemistry can't be used (as inspiration) of enhanced across-the-spectrum photosynthesis.

1