Scientists in China use CRISPR gene-editing tool to uncover secrets of underwater photosynthesis
- Life scientists at Westlake University have isolated gene behind chlorophyll variety essential to light absorption in certain algae, Science article says
- Reviewer hails finding of ‘crucial’ enzyme, which could help to find ways to boost the survival of sun-loving plants in low light
Photosynthesis – the process by which plants convert sunlight into organic matter – is one of the Earth’s primary energy cycles. About half the world’s oxygen is produced by marine photosynthesis, which releases the live-sustaining gas as carbon dioxide and water are transformed into organic material.
Chlorophyll – the pigment that acts as the catalyst for this vital process – can occur in five distinct forms in terrestrial plants and aquatic algae.
While chlorophyll a is present in both marine and terrestrial environments, chlorophyll b is mostly unique to land-based plants, whereas the c variety is found predominantly in phytoplankton – including diatoms and brown algae.
Two other forms of chlorophyll – d and f – are present in cyanobacteria, which produce energy through photosynthesis.