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Microbial rhodopsins on leaf surfaces of terrestrial plants
Nof Atamna-Ismaeel1, Omri M Finkel, Fabian Glaser
1Faculty of Biology, Lorry I Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel.
Environmental Microbiology
|September 3, 2011
Summary
Microbial rhodopsins, light-harvesting pigments, were discovered on plant leaves, suggesting a novel form of microbial energy production. This phototrophy may coexist with plant photosynthesis, utilizing different light wavelengths.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Plant Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The phyllosphere, plant above-ground surfaces, is a major interface for solar radiation.
- It hosts a vast microbial community potentially interacting with light.
- Microbial rhodopsins are known photoreceptors, primarily in aquatic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and diversity of microbial rhodopsins in terrestrial phyllosphere environments.
- To explore the potential functional implications of microbial rhodopsins in plant-associated microbial communities.
Main Methods:
- Metagenome analysis using 454-pyrosequencing.
- Sampling from diverse plant phyllospheres: tamarisk, soybean, Arabidopsis, clover, and rice.
Main Results:
- Diverse microbial rhodopsins were identified in the phyllosphere of multiple plant species.
- This represents the first report of microbial rhodopsins in non-aquatic habitats.
- The identified rhodopsins absorb light in spectral ranges distinct from plant chlorophyll.
Conclusions:
- Microbial rhodopsins are present in terrestrial plant phyllospheres.
- This suggests a potential for microbial phototrophy alongside plant photosynthesis.
- Coexistence may be facilitated by complementary light absorption spectra.
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Rhodopsins belong to the family of cell surface proteins called G-protein coupled receptors,...
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