I have been asked several times by middle school students if it would be possible to give humans the genes to carry out photosynthesis. It’s been theorized by a few of these students that this would solve some major nutrition problems in places currently plagued with drought. I always smile and agree that is sounds like a great idea, but probably not possible. Now, there is actually some evidence to the contrary.

A sea slug species, Elysia chlorotica, found in the marshes of New England and Canada has a unique trait. It produces chlorophyll and can use photosynthesis to make it’s own food – just like a More >