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Related Concept Videos

The Z-Scheme of Electron Transport in Photosynthesis01:34

The Z-Scheme of Electron Transport in Photosynthesis

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The light reactions of photosynthesis assume a linear flow of electrons from water to NADP+. During this process, light energy drives the splitting of water molecules to produce oxygen. However, oxidation of water molecules is a thermodynamically unfavorable reaction and requires a strong oxidizing agent. This is accomplished by the first product of light reactions: oxidized P680 (or P680+), the most powerful oxidizing agent known in biology. The oxidized P680 that acquires an electron from the...
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Photosynthesis is a multipart, biochemical process that occurs in plants as well as in some bacteria. It captures carbon dioxide and solar energy to produce glucose. Glucose stores chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates. The overall biochemical formula of photosynthesis is 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + Light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2. Photosynthesis releases oxygen into the atmosphere and is largely responsible for maintaining the Earth’s atmospheric oxygen content.
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Light as Energy01:35

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The energy required to carry out photosynthesis is light— typically electromagnetic radiation from the sun. The range of all possible wavelengths is known as the electromagnetic spectrum.
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Photosystems01:32

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Photosystems are multiprotein complexes that form the functional units of photosynthesis in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. They are found embedded in the membrane of tiny sac-like structures called thylakoids placed inside the chloroplast.
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Green algae and plants, including green stems and unripe fruit, harbor chloroplasts—the vital organelles where photosynthesis takes place. In plants, the highest density of chloroplasts is found in the mesophyll cells of leaves.
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Although structurally similar to photosystem II (PSII), photosystem I (PSI) is has a different electron supplier and electron acceptor.
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Updated: May 12, 2025

High-Throughput Analysis of Non-Photochemical Quenching in Crops Using Pulse Amplitude Modulated Chlorophyll Fluorometry
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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.

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|April 22, 2025
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Summary

Photosynthesis was repeatedly lost in eukaryotes, yet some organisms keep chlorophyll synthesis. Jacko-Reynolds et al. found this in coral parasites, suggesting roles in signaling, trickery, or defense.

Keywords:
apicoplastcorallicolidholoparasitereactive oxygen speciesretrograde signalling

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Photosynthesis, the process of converting light energy into chemical energy, has been lost multiple times during eukaryote evolution.
  • The retention of chlorophyll synthesis, a key component of photosynthesis, after its loss is a puzzling evolutionary phenomenon.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the retention of chlorophyll synthesis in Apicomplexa parasites of corals after the loss of photosynthesis.
  • To explore potential functional roles for retained chlorophyll synthesis in these parasitic organisms.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of Apicomplexa species.
  • Genomic and transcriptomic analysis to identify genes involved in chlorophyll synthesis.
  • Comparative analysis with photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic relatives.

Main Results:

  • The study identified a group of Apicomplexa parasitising corals that retain the ability to synthesize chlorophyll despite lacking functional photosynthesis.
  • Evidence suggests the evolutionary loss of photosynthesis is a recurring event in this group.

Conclusions:

  • The retention of chlorophyll synthesis in non-photosynthetic Apicomplexa is confirmed.
  • Potential functions for retained chlorophyll synthesis include organelle-to-nucleus signaling, molecular mimicry, or predator defense mechanisms.