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Updated: May 12, 2025

High-Throughput Analysis of Non-Photochemical Quenching in Crops Using Pulse Amplitude Modulated Chlorophyll Fluorometry
Published on: July 6, 2022
Phasing out photosynthesis - and weaponising chlorophyll?
Christopher J Howe1, R Ellen R Nisbet2
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK.
Abstract:
Photosynthesis has been lost independently many times in eukaryote evolutionary history. Surprisingly, the ability to synthesise chlorophyll has sometimes been retained after loss of photosynthesis. Jacko-Reynolds et al. show this phenomenon in a group of Apicomplexa parasitising corals. Possible explanations include a role in organelle-to-nucleus signalling, molecular trickery, and defence against predators.
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