Using 3D printing to print models has been an at large topic, but expanding with this idea was the goal in our research. Using a computer programming tool to design our models, a representation of photosynthesis was created. The model includes both photosystem I and II that can be separated and re-attached on a platform, LED lights to represent sunlight, a true replication of water molecules, and ball-bearings to represent electrons moving throughout the photosystems.<br/>First, Photosystem II was created with an entry point for water molecules to enter. Each water molecule is a separately printed Oxygen and two Hydrogens held together by ball bearings and magnets. When the molecule enters the photosystem, it can be twisted to break off the hydrogens and the ball bearings fall into the photosystem. Then a magnet is placed on the back side of the model to create a hold on one ball bearing and one manually brings it up photosystem II and drops it into a channel. While traveling through the channel it shows production of protons and a light response is produced to represent this process.<br/>Second, the ball bearings fall into photosystem I one at a time. Then are manually sent back through such as photosystem II and fall through another channel into a tiny representation of NADPH, which can carry the electrons away.<br/>

A 3D printed photosynthesis model

255th National Meeting (2018)

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