Researchers at The University of Queensland, New Zealand, and the University of Münster, Germany, have gained insight into the photosynthesis process at a molecular level through understanding the cyclic electron flow supercomplex, which is a critical part of the photosynthetic machinery in plants. The discovery could help guide the development of next-generation solar biotechnologies.
The team purified and characterised the cyclic electron flow supercomplex from micro-algae, and analysed its structure using electron microscopy. The analysis showed how complexes that harvest light become supercomplexes that allow the plant to adapt to varying light conditions and energy requirements.
‘The cyclic electron flow supercomplex is an excellent example of an evolutionarily highly conserved structure,’ says Professor Hippler, the University of Münster. ‘By the year 2050, we will need 50% more fuel, 70% more food, and 50% more clean water. Technologies based on photosynthetic microalgae have the potential to play an important role in meeting these needs’, says Professor Ben Hankamer of the University of Queensland.
The discovery will help guide the design of next generation solar capture technologies based on micro-algae and a wide range of solar driven biotechnologies. This can help produce food, fuel and clean water.
