Articles tagged with Photosystems
Researchers discovered the largest eukaryotic photosystem I-fucoxanthin-chlorophyll supercomplex in coccolithophores, which can expand its light-harvesting cross-section by three to four times while maintaining over 95% energy conversion efficiency.
A team of researchers analyzed a photosynthetic complex found in a marine alga and discovered a unique arrangement of antenna proteins around the photosystem core. This structure indicates an adaptation to its living environment and provides insights into the efficiency of light-harvesting under certain conditions.
Researchers have discovered a self-repair mechanism in the photosystem II protein complex, which is crucial for photosynthesis. The study found that phosphorylation plays a dual role in driving disassembly and quality control mechanisms for repair, shedding light on how plants maintain efficient photosynthetic processes.
Researchers decipher the cryo-EM structure of a spinach PSII-LHCII megacomplex, revealing architectural principles for higher-order assembly and potential regulatory mechanisms. The study identifies PsbR and PsbY as small membrane proteins regulating PSII function.
Research found that plants adapted to colder temperatures have a higher rate of photoinhibition repair when exposed to cold conditions. This adaptation allows them to survive in colder regions. The study used Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes from around the world to demonstrate this phenomenon.
Researchers develop novel method to study ribosomes producing D1 protein, identifying 140 additional proteins involved in its assembly. STIC2 and SRP54 proteins play key roles in correct incorporation of central proteins into thylakoid membrane.
Plants employ various strategies to withstand high light, including filtering and reflecting excess radiation, dissipating excess energy through non-photochemical quenching, and repairing damaged photosystems. These mechanisms are triggered at the whole-plant, cellular, physiological, and molecular levels in response to light stress.
Researchers discovered two stages of evolutionary adaptation for cyanobacteria to use far-red light, enabling enhanced light absorption capabilities. The findings hold profound implications for understanding life in the cosmos, particularly in conditions surrounding M-dwarf stars.
A cutting-edge experiment has revealed the quantum dynamics of photosynthesis, starting with a single photon. The discovery solidifies current understanding and will help answer questions about how life works at the smallest scales. By studying individual photons, scientists can build artificial systems that generate renewable fuels.
Researchers have visualized the crucial final step of oxygen formation in Photosystem II, a protein complex that powers photosynthesis. The study provides new insights into the interaction between the protein environment and the Mn/Ca cluster, shedding light on the mechanism behind water-splitting and oxygen production.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a hybrid device that combines living organisms with bio batteries to produce stored energy under light conditions. The technology, known as microbial electro photosynthesis, has the potential to power a wide range of products, including transportation fuels and cosmetics.
Researchers discover that proteins PGRL1 and PGRL2 regulate PGR5's function in photosynthesis. PGRL2 is a supervisor protein that works with PGRL1 to activate PGR5, while its absence causes PGR5 to become hyperactive and destructive.
Researchers at Umeå University discovered a photosynthetic shortcut in pine trees that allows them to stay green year-round. This mechanism, called spill-over, enables the transfer of energy directly between photosystems I and II, protecting the plant from damage caused by excess light energy.
A team of scientists developed a semi-artificial electrode that converts light energy into other forms of energy in biosolar cells. The system uses the photosynthesis protein Photosystem I from cyanobacteria to couple with an enzyme that produces hydrogen.
Researchers have made two major breakthroughs to optimize photosynthesis, increasing crop growth by 27 percent in field trials. The discoveries improved the efficiency of electron transport and carbon fixation, resulting in increased productivity and water conservation.
Researchers have successfully reengineered the Photosystem I complex to produce biohydrogen, a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The innovation could lead to the creation of low-cost, renewable energy platforms using sunlight and water.
Researchers discovered diverse forms of Photosystem I in cyanobacteria and algae, including a specialized dimer in Anabaena and a minimal form in Dunaliella. These findings suggest new energy pathways, pigment binding sites, and phospholipids, providing insight into photosynthesis beyond traditional textbook descriptions.
A team of researchers has uncovered the location and functions of Chl f, a newly discovered chlorophyll molecule that could improve solar cell efficiency. The study found that far-red light causes structural changes in photosystem I, leading to Chl f synthesis and enhancing up-hill energy transfer.
Research at Earlham Institute reveals that plant clocks oscillate faster as plants age, with wheat exhibiting more rapid oscillations under constant darkness. The study uses delayed fluorescence to measure daily patterns in crops, enabling breeders to select optimal clock rhythms for improved yields.
A team of scientists at Arizona State University has determined the structure of a massive photosynthetic supercomplex, uncovering crucial details about its functionality. The complex, composed of over 700 molecules, is unique in size and complexity, with 591 chlorophylls bound within.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a method to increase bioelectrode stability by operating under an oxygen-free environment. This approach effectively extends the device's lifespan and brings photobiodevices closer to efficient energy conversion.
The study imitates the structure and interaction of natural photosystems I and II to create efficient solar cells. The new modules, composed of light-absorbing crystals and water-oxidising catalysts, have an efficiency of over 40% and minimal losses.
A research team has captured high-resolution images of the photosystem II protein complex, revealing its structure and mechanism for splitting water. This breakthrough could lead to the development of cheap and efficient solar fuel devices.
Scientists capture four stable states of photosynthesis and fleeting steps in between, revealing the process of oxygen production. The results provide a detailed view of Photosystem II, a key protein complex responsible for splitting water and producing oxygen.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a unique structure of photosystem I in the moss Physcomitrella patens, which is different from other types of plants. This finding may help understand plant terrestrialization and develop artificial photosynthesis.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that bioelectrodes containing photosystem I are unstable in the long term due to formation of reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide. This limits their potential for environmentally friendly energy conversion.
A new study suggests that photosynthesis may have evolved as long as 3.6 billion years ago, contradicting previous estimates. This finding implies that oxygenic photosynthesis, which produces all the oxygen on Earth, started earlier than thought, potentially allowing early life to diversify and dominate the world.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed the first experimental map of a cyanobacteria's water world, revealing pathways that could be used to deliver water to the active site. The discovery advances photosynthesis research and has implications for green fuels.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method for producing industrial-scale algal hydrogen, which could potentially replace fossil fuels. The innovative approach uses a linked Photosystem I-hydrogenase system to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production.
Researchers at Kyushu University developed a metal complex catalyst that mimics two natural energy processes, hydrogenase and photosystem II. The catalyst produces electrical power by accepting electrons from hydrogen and generates power from sunlight through oxidation of water.
Scientists used molecular dynamics to visualize the working of Photosystem II and discovered three channels for plastoquinone entry and exit, contradicting previous assumptions. The study provides new insights into the complex process of converting photons into electrons.
A recent study published in PNAS has shed light on the long-standing problem of photosynthetic process in plants. Researchers identified the specific regions of Photosystem II protein complex where reactive oxygen species damage occurs, revealing a new paradigm for understanding this vital chemical process.
Researchers have visualized the reaction of water molecules forming oxygen in plants, paving the way for studying this process step-by-step. This breakthrough could lead to developing technology to produce hydrogen gas from solar energy, mitigating climate change.
Researchers use a femtosecond X-ray laser to observe the water-splitting reaction in detail, shedding light on how oxygen is formed. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis.
Researchers use ultrafast X-ray lasers to study photosystem II protein in action, capturing the first high-resolution 3-D view at room temperature. The study reveals that previous theories explaining the mechanisms may be incorrect and opens new avenues for understanding photosynthesis.
Researchers at University of Cambridge identify a competing pathway that diverts electrons away from the electrode, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging the system. The study offers insights into how to address this issue and enhance the performance of artificial photosynthetic devices.
Researchers at Université de Genève identified a protein Mac1 that plays a key role in recycling photosystem I components to recover iron. In response to nutrient deficiencies, the alga dismantles its photosystems and recycles some of their components.
Researchers from the Academy of Finland discovered that photoinhibition, a previously believed detrimental reaction, actually protects photosynthetic apparatus by altering function to dissipate excess energy. This finding challenges previous understanding of photosynthesis' different photosystems and their roles.
Researchers developed a new spectroscopy method, 2D HYSCORE, to capture the solar water-splitting reaction at the heart of photosynthesis. The study successfully resolved the active site geometry of manganese catalase, a simpler metal-containing protein, and gained insight into the mechanism of photosynthesis.
Researchers Cardona et al. examine evolution of D1 protein, heart of Photosystem II, to propose sequence of events for origin of water splitting in photosynthesis. They find evidence suggests water splitting could have evolved relatively fast after just a few changes to ancestral D1 protein.
Researchers have used X-ray diffraction to investigate photosystem II, revealing structures yet unknown. The results show that photosystem II proteins are arranged within crystals as extended rows, similar to their natural environment.
Researchers have developed a semi-artificial leaf that outperforms natural photosynthesis, achieving higher photocurrents and electron transfer rates. This breakthrough enables the development of cheaper and flexible solar cells for various applications, including micro-sized medical devices.
Researchers at Purdue University are using spinach to study photosynthesis and convert sunlight into a clean, efficient alternative fuel. The team has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the protein complex responsible for this process, which could lead to the creation of artificial photosynthesis.
Biophysics researchers at the University of Michigan have identified specific molecular vibrations that help enable charge separation in photosynthesis, a process that converts sunlight into chemical energy. The findings could lead to more efficient solar cells and energy storage systems.
Scientists successfully visualize crucial event in photosynthetic reaction, enabling study of protein complex that splits water. This breakthrough uses free-electron laser technique to collect data at room temperature.
An international team recorded still frames of photosystem II as it splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, revealing large conformational changes and overall structure alterations. The study paves the way for optimizing catalytic reactions and creating molecular movies of biochemical processes.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab and SLAC have taken detailed snapshots of the four photon-step cycle of photosynthetic water oxidation in photosystem II. The study provides information that should be useful for designing artificial solar-energy based devices to split water, a crucial step towards clean energy.
The researchers created artificial nanoassemblies inspired by plant photosystems, which may collect and convert energy. They successfully joined individual units into larger arrays, enabling complex functional nanosystems with applications in Raman spectroscopy and catalytic processes.
Researchers aim to adapt photosynthesis for artificial use as an abundant source of renewable energy. They are using advanced spectroscopic techniques to describe the exact atomic-level mechanism of the oxygen-evolving complex through the remaining five S-states.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new technique to isolate and examine a photosynthetic megacomplex in its complete functioning state. This breakthrough provides a deeper understanding of the organization of these complex membranes, which are essential for plant growth and movement.
The Ruhr-University Bochum researchers developed a bio-based solar cell using photosystem 1 and 2 proteins, generating an efficient electron current. The bio-based solar cell boasts an efficiency of several nanowatts per square centimeter, making it a potential blueprint for semi-artificial and natural cell systems.
Researchers used an X-ray laser to study the structure and chemical behavior of a natural catalyst involved in photosynthesis. The breakthrough, made possible by ultrafast and ultrabright X-ray pulses, provides insights into atomic-scale transformations in photosynthesis and other biological processes.
Berkeley Lab and SLAC researchers demonstrate simultaneous diffraction/spectroscopy of metalloenzymes using ultrafast, intensely bright X-ray pulses. The study provides critical snapshots of the photosystem II machinery's design principles for artificial light-driven catalysts.
A team of researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has identified an old acquaintance as the missing link in regulating electron transport during photosynthesis. The enzyme, PGRL1, plays a central role in the regulation of cyclic electron flow and may help improve photosynthetic performance.
Researchers studied the binding and activation of water molecules in the catalytic site of photosystem II, a key step in converting sunlight into chemical energy. The study provides new insights into the ultra-efficient energy conversion process in nature and could inform the development of more efficient solar-energy technologies.
A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab and SLAC used ultrafast X-rays to produce the first images of photosystem II microcrystals at room temperature. The study reveals new insights into the complex's composition and atomic structure, crucial for understanding its role in photosynthesis.
The Centre for Nanostructured Photosystems will pioneer the development of highly efficient, thin, flexible, and affordable solar cells. The centre aims to harness new clean energy sources effectively and make them commercially viable.
A newly discovered protein, PAM68, is essential for the assembly of Photosystem II in green plants and cyanobacteria. The protein's unique function highlights common features between plant and bacterial photosynthesis.
Researchers at Arizona State University and Max Planck Institute have discovered how light initiates electron transfer in the photosystem I reaction center. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient artificial photosynthetic devices, providing a clean source of renewable fuel.
Researchers identified a phosphatase enzyme that removes phosphate from LHCII proteins, allowing for the balance of light energy between two photosystems. This discovery has practical implications for improving plant growth and potentially reducing energy bills.