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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
11:28
Isolating and Incorporating Light-Harvesting Antennas from Diatom Cyclotella Meneghiniana in Liposomes with Thylakoid Lipids
Published on: August 28, 2018
Endolithic chlorophyll d-containing phototrophs.
Lars Behrendt1, Anthony W D Larkum, Anders Norman
1Marine Biological Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Helsingør, Denmark.
The ISME Journal
|December 17, 2010
Summary
Acaryochloris cyanobacteria use chlorophyll d for photosynthesis with near-infrared light. These unique microbes were discovered thriving in an endolithic habitat beneath coral reef algae.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Microbiology
- Photosynthesis research
Background:
- Acaryochloris cyanobacteria are unique oxyphototrophs using chlorophyll d for near-infrared light photosynthesis.
- The ecology and habitats of Acaryochloris remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ecological niche and habitat of Acaryochloris-like cyanobacteria.
- To understand the role of chlorophyll d-containing cyanobacteria in marine ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- Hyperspectral and chlorophyll fluorescence imaging
- Scanning electron microscopy
- Photopigment analysis
- DNA sequencing
Main Results:
- Acaryochloris-like cyanobacteria were found to inhabit an endolithic niche beneath crustose coralline algae on coral reefs.
- This habitat facilitates their survival and unique photosynthetic capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Acaryochloris cyanobacteria inhabit a widespread endolithic habitat on coral reefs.
- Chlorophyll d-based photosynthesis is significant in these unexplored endolithic environments.
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