For almost 30 years, researchers have sought to identify a particular enzyme that is involved in regulating electron transport during photosynthesis. A team at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitt (LMU) in Munich has now found the missing link, which turns out to be an old acquaintance.
Photosynthesis sustains life on Earth by providing energy-rich compounds and the molecular oxygen that higher organisms depend on. The process is powered by sunlight, which is captured by "biochemical solar cells" called photosystems that are found in plants, algae and certain types of bacteria. Plants have two photosystems, PSI and PSII. Each consists of a pigment-protein complex that uses solar energy to raise electrons to a higher energy level. These are then passed along a chain of electron acceptors, and the energy released is employed for synthesis of ATP, the "coinage" used for all energy transactions in cells.
Electron transport can proceed along several different routes. So-called linear electron transport requires the participation of both PSI and PSII, and delivers the electrons to a small molecule called NADP, forming NADPH. Cyclic electron flow on the other hand - which can take two alternative paths - involves only PSI, and is used solely for the production of ATP. Electrons that follow the major route are passed via an acceptor called plastoquinone to the cytochrome b6f complex and from there back to PSI, thus completing the cycle.
"The identity of the carrier that donates electrons to plastoquinone, and thus makes the process of cyclic electron flow possible, has long been a subject of controversy," says LMU biologist Professor Dario Leister, who, together with other members of his group, has now succeeded in identifying the crucial missing link in the process.
The crossroads that closes the circuit
Plants can switch between linear and cyclic modes of electron transport in order to maintain the appropriate balance between
'/>"/>
| Contact: Kathrin Bilgeri kathrin.bilgeri@lmu.de 49-892-180-6938 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitt Mnchen Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Oil and water: An icy interaction when oil chains are short, but steamy when chains are long
2. Chain reaction in the human immune system trapped in crystals
3. Pilot Results Move GHX Closer to Delivery of Healthcare Industrys First Implantable Device Supply Chain Solution
4. Stanford scientists document fragile land-sea ecological chain
5. Copper chains: Study reveals Earths deep-seated hold on copper
6. Study confirms oil from Deepwater Horizon disaster entered food chain in the Gulf of Mexico
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |