For almost 30 years, researchers have sought to identify a
particular enzyme that is involved in regulating electron transport during
photosynthesis. An LMU team 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.