Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: paul.fr on 24/10/2007 13:27:39

Title: Are there any tree's that DON'T use photosynthesis?
Post by: paul.fr on 24/10/2007 13:27:39

well, are there?

Title: Are there any tree's that DON'T use photosynthesis?
Post by: Bored chemist on 24/10/2007 20:13:52

Dead ones.
Arguably all of them; at night.

Title: Are there any tree's that DON'T use photosynthesis?
Post by: Carol-A on 25/10/2007 11:40:55

No. There are some parasitic plants that have lost the ability to perform photosynthesis, but nothing like a tree.

Title: Are there any tree's that DON'T use photosynthesis?
Post by: kdlynn on 25/10/2007 14:51:43

artificial christmas trees do not and never have used photosynthesis.

Title: Are there any tree's that DON'T use photosynthesis?
Post by: another_someone on 25/10/2007 15:55:24

Quote from: kdlynn on 25/10/2007 14:51:43

artificial christmas trees do not and never have used photosynthesis.

Arguably, since they are normally made of plastics, and plastics are normally made from oil, and oil is the breakdown product of ancient plant matter, so many millions of years ago it may have used photosynthesis [;)]

Title: Are there any tree's that DON'T use photosynthesis?
Post by: paul.fr on 25/10/2007 21:44:22

Quote from: kdlynn on 25/10/2007 14:51:43

artificial christmas trees do not and never have used photosynthesis.

there's always one...

Quote from: another_someone on 25/10/2007 15:55:24

Arguably, since they are normally made of plastics, and plastics are normally made from oil, and oil is the breakdown product of ancient plant matter, so many millions of years ago it may have used photosynthesis [;)]

oops, better make that two!

Title: Are there any tree's that DON'T use photosynthesis?
Post by: kdlynn on 26/10/2007 04:59:14

*scratches head* i did not see that coming...

Title: Are there any tree's that DON'T use photosynthesis?
Post by: Andrew K Fletcher on 26/10/2007 11:31:41

Strasburger et al killed a tree in picric acid, steam, and copper sulphate sollution this effectively eliminated all living processes, including photosynthesis. The poisoned trees however caried on circulating fluids for 3 weeks and more after they had been pronounced deas, so I guess photosynthesis is not a requirement for a tree to be transpiring and sucking in water.

So it may be possible that somewhere out there there is a tree you are looking for,

It may also be worth considering that the tree often begins life as a sprout growing under the ground well out of the light so no photosynthesis is required here and there must be place where trees have continued to grow in total darkness?

Andrew