Photosynthesis

About: Photosynthesis is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 19789 publications have been published within this topic receiving 895197 citations.

The CO2concentrating mechanism in cyanobactiria and microalgae

Abstract: Over the past 10 years it has become clear that cyanobacteria and microalgae possess mechanisms for actively acquiring inorganic carbon from the external medium and are able to use this to elevate the CO2 concentration around the active site of the primary photosynthetic carboxylating enzyme, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco). This results in a vastly enhanced photosynthetic affinity for inorganic carbon (Ci) and improved photosynthetic efficiency. The CO2 concentrating mechanism is dependent on the existence of membrane bound Ci transport systems, and a microenvironment within the cell where the accumulated Ci can be used to elevate CO2 at the site of Rubisco. Evidence presented in this review suggests that in cyanobacteria this is achieved by the packaging of Rubisco and carbonic anhydrase (CA) into discrete structures, which are termed carboxysomes. Analogous structures in microalgae, termed pyrenoids, may perform a similar function. The recovery and analysis of high-CO2-requiring mutants has greatly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms and genes underlying these systems, especially in cyanobacteria, and this review places particular emphasis on the contribution made by molecular genetic approaches.

Analytical approaches to photobiological hydrogen production in unicellular green algae.

Abstract: Several species of unicellular green algae, such as the model green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, can operate under either aerobic photosynthesis or anaerobic metabolism conditions. A particularly interesting metabolic condition is that of “anaerobic oxygenic photosynthesis”, whereby photosynthetically generated oxygen is consumed by the cell’s own respiration, causing anaerobiosis in the culture in the light, and induction of the cellular “hydrogen metabolism” process. The latter entails an alternative photosynthetic electron transport pathway, through the oxygen-sensitive FeFe-hydrogenase, leading to the light-dependent generation of molecular hydrogen in the chloroplast. The FeFe-hydrogenase is coupled to the reducing site of photosystem-I via ferredoxin and is employed as an electron-pressure valve, through which electrons are dissipated, thus permitting a sustained electron transport in the thylakoid membrane of photosynthesis. This hydrogen gas generating process in the cells offers testimony to the unique photosynthetic metabolism that can be found in many species of green microalgae. Moreover, it has attracted interest by the biotechnology and bioenergy sectors, as it promises utilization of green microalgae and the process of photosynthesis in renewable energy production. This article provides an overview of the principles of photobiological hydrogen production in microalgae and addresses in detail the process of induction and analysis of the hydrogen metabolism in the cells. Furthermore, methods are discussed by which the interaction of photosynthesis, respiration, cellular metabolism, and H2 production in Chlamydomonas can be monitored and regulated.

Screening of visible and UV radiation as a photoprotective mechanism in plants

Abstract: Prolonged exposure of plants to high fluxes of solar radiation as well as to other environmental stressors disturbs the balance between absorbed light energy and capacity of its photochemical utilization resulting in photoinhibition of and eventually in damage to plants. Under such circumstances, the limiting of the light absorption by the photosynthetic apparatus efficiently augments the general photoprotective mechanisms of the plant cell, such as reparation of macromolecules, elimination of reactive oxygen species, and thermal dissipation of the excessive light energy absorbed. Under stressful conditions, plants accumulate, in different cell compartments and tissue structures, pigments capable of attenuation of the radiation in the UV and visible parts of the spectrum. To the date, four principle key groups of photoprotective pigments are known: mycosporine-like amino acids, phenolic compounds (including phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins), alkaloids (betalains), and carotenoids. The accumulation of UV-absorbing compounds (mycosporine-like amino acids and phenolics in lower and higher plants, respectively) is a ubiquitous mechanism of adaptation to and protection from the damage by high fluxes of solar radiation developed by photoautotrophic organisms at the early stages of their evolution. Extrathylakoid carotenoids, betalains, and anthocyanins play an important role in long-term adaptation to the illumination conditions and in protection of plants against photodamage. A prominent feature of certain plant taxa lacking some classes of photoprotective pigments (such as anthocyanins) is their substitution by other compounds (e.g. keto-carotenoids or betalains) disparate in terms of chemical structure and subcellular localization but possessing close spectral properties.

Decline of activity and quantity of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and net photosynthesis in ozone-treated potato foliage.

Abstract: The effect of ozone (O(3)) on ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity and quantity and net photosynthesis in greenhouse-grown Solanum tuberosum L. cv ;Norland' foliage was studied in relation to oxidant-induced premature senescence. Plants, 26 days old, were exposed to 0.06 to 0.08 microliters per liter O(3) from 1000 to 1600 hours for 4 days in a controlled environment chamber. On day 5, plants were exposed to a 6-hour simulated inversion in which O(3) peaked at 0.12 microliters per liter. Net photosynthesis declined in response to O(3) but recovered to near control levels 3 days after the exposure ended. Rubisco activity and quantity in control potato foliage increased and then decreased during the 12-day interval of the study. In some experiments foliage studied was physiologically mature and Rubisco activity had peaked when O(3) exposure commenced. In those cases, O(3) accelerated the decline in Rubisco activity. When less mature foliage was treated with O(3), the leaves never achieved the maximal level of Rubisco activity observed in control foliage and also exhibited more rapid decline in initial and total activity. Percent activation of Rubisco (initial/total activity) was not affected significantly by treatment. Quantity of Rubisco decreased in concert with activity. The decrease in activities is most likely due to a decrease in available protein rather than a decrease in the percentage of Rubisco activated in vivo. The reduction in the quantity of Rubisco, an important foliar storage protein, could contribute to premature senescence associated with toxicity of this air pollutant.