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Why do physiologists study the functions of plants and microorganisms?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Diagram explaining ATP's role in powering cellular activities, with arrows showing ATP produced by mitochondria, chloroplasts, and glycolysis, and used for making biomolecules, transporting substances, and driving energy-requiring processes; includes a structural diagram of ATP with labeled adenine, ribose, and phosphate groups.
Physiology Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the power source of many biochemical reactions. It is produced in the cell structures and system listed at the left to energize the important life processes listed on the right. An abbreviated chemical formula of the structure of ATP is also shown. The two high-energy Pā€•Oā€•P bonds are responsible for its power.

Physiologists study the functions of plants and microorganisms to understand the fundamental principles of life, as the goal of general physiology is to abstract a single, universal physiology applicable to all living things. While early physiology focused on animal organ systems, modern research emphasizes functional processesā€”such as metabolism, transport, and nutritionā€”that occur at cellular and molecular levels across all organisms.1

Key reasons for studying these organisms include:

  • Comparative Insight: Studying plants and microorganisms provides a broader perspective on biological function, strengthening our understanding of human physiology and addressing questions related to evolution and ecology.1
  • Ecological and Biospheric Roles: Research into microorganisms has revealed their fundamental roles in the biosphere, while plant physiology helps explain how organisms adapt to and survive in diverse environments.12
  • Practical Application: Through genetic engineering, scientists utilize microorganisms as biological factories to produce essential human proteins like insulin. Similarly, understanding plant function allows for the development of crops with improved traits, such as drought tolerance and pest resistance, supporting sustainable agriculture.3
  • Technical Advancement: The study of these organisms often drives the development of sophisticated biochemical and biophysical methods, which are essential for analyzing complex processes like photosynthesis.45