THE TEORETICAL POSSIBILITY OF SELF-SUSTAINABLE LIFE FOR A HUMAN-

ALGAE HYBRID

Fredrik Andersson & Kim Lindgren

2010-03-24

INTRODUCTION
The transhumanist imagination can at times seem frighteningly unrealistic, with ideas that feel
more at home in a science fiction novel than in reality. However, as we let our imaginations soar it
is important that we keep ourselves grounded in observable reality. Let us, with that in mind
examine a possible symbiosis or genetic hybrid between algae and a human. There is no question
that if human beings could conduct photosynthesis, even partially, we would be able to prevent
starvation for countless of people, as well as improve the standard of life for everyone in the
world. The prospect is exciting, but is it possible?

INVESTIGATON
We estimate the energy requirement for the average human to be 3000 kcal/day (which is an
exaggeration of the 2000kcal/day diet recommended by most food and health administrations).
The sun emits energy equal to 1.96 calories per second on an area 1cm² in size. For the purposes
of this investigation we will assume that this theoretical “plant-man” would have chloroplast
efficiency equal to that of algae. We have not accounted for the variance in sun energy during the
day and can only be considered a basic proof of concept.

Sunlight/cm²·sec⁻¹: 1.96 calories [1]

Chloroplast efficiency: 7.7% [2]
Seconds/day: 60*60*12 = 43200
Energy requirement/day: 3000 kcal (estimate)
Human surface-area: 18000 cm² (men) [3]

Sun-energy/day·cm⁻² (calories): 1.96*43200 = 84672 calories

Converted solar energy: 0.077*84672 = 6519.744 calories
Energy/person·day⁻¹: 6519.744*18000 = 1.17e⁸ calories
= 117355 kcal/day >> required energy

CONCLUSION
As we can see, the energy we could acquire trough the skin using the same chloroplast efficiency
is more than enough to satisfy our required daily energy intake. It is entirely possible that we’d be
able not only to survive on a day to day basis but also to store enough energy in the form of
sugar to survive during the night and during winter months. This should only be considered a very
basic evaluation of the concept, but it does point to exciting possibilities.

SOURCES
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunlight
[2] Magee J. L., DeWitt T. W., Coolidge E., Smith, Farrington, Daniels. 1939. A
Photocalorimeter. The Quantum Efficiency of Photosynthesis in Algae. Journal of the
American Chemical Society 61:3529-2522
[3] http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2001/IgorFridman.shtml