Is it possible to replicate photosynthesis in order to produce cheap, efficient energy?

Question

I don't just mean solar panels either, I am talking about fully integrated and self-sustaining organisms that could live in a symbiotic relationship with us and the planet.

It seems plants have the right of it. If you think about how efficiently they live, it would seem they are more advanced than we are.

Answer 1

This is what scientists are currently trying to do. Problem is, with photosynthesis, MILLIONS of reactions take place in order to reach the desired products.

Cellular Respiration is:

C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6H2O + 6CO2 + energy

Photosynthesis is:

6H2O + 6 CO2 + energy -> C6H12O6 + 6O2

Look at the reactants of photosynthesis. Water and carbon dioxide - both of which are present in HUGE amounts in our atmosphere. If the reaction was just as simple as the above listed, we could get glucose and oxygen without any issue. However....

How do you think carbonic acid is made? It is merely water and carbon dioxide put together under high pressure. Carbonic acid is present in our carbonated drinks. When you open a can or bottle of pop, you get that 'phewwww' sound that sounds like a spaceship door opening up. That sound is the carbonic acid decomposing into water and carbon dioxide and being released from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.

So according to the photosynthesis equation, why doesn't that yield carbonic acid? There are millions of side reactions occur and scientists don't know them all. Until we can understand the reactions taking place, we can't replicate it. Good question, though.