New advances in Photosynethesis (bio)

What this discovery could lead to:

Scientists have found new clues which could help them harness the power of photosynthesis. They have discovered an enzyme used in photosynthesis. This enzyme gives scientists the ability to extend light harvesting in plants into the far-red range of the light spectrum (Figure 1) This allows the plants to more efficiently use the energy from the Sun and could increase plant productivity. This discovery could allow scientists being able to engineer crops to make them better using these qualities. As Donald A. Bryant, the Ernest C. Pollard Professor of Biotechnology and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State University stated, “Knowledge of how photosynthesis evolved could empower scientists to design better ways to use light energy for the benefit of mankind.” This enzyme enables plants to give off oxygen more efficiently due to the ability to reach light at different wavelengths. If harnessed, this could also be used as an alternate energy source that is not harmful to the environment.

Figure 1

What the Scientists did:

    Scientists first identified the gene that converts chlorophyll a (the most abundant light-absorbing pigment that harness energy through photosynthesis) into chlorophyll f (Chlorophyll that absorbs light in the far-red range of the light spectrum) (as seen in Figure 2). There are several different types of chlorophyll, each tuned to absorb light in different wavelengths. Chlorophyll f is found in certain cyanobacteria (bacteria that use photosynthesis) that grow efficiently in light just outside of the usual human visual range. The ability to use light wavelengths other than those absorbed by plants, algae, and other cyanobacteria gives a powerful advantage to those organisms that produce chlorophyll f. These organisms can survive and grow when the visible light they normally use is blocked. Then scientists discovered the enzyme in the gene that allows for the conversion of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll f. This enzyme could represent an early stage in the evolution of photosynthesis. This enzyme is unique in that it requires light to catalyze its reaction and may not require oxygen.

Figure 2

How this relates:

 This discovery is basic research because scientists are just starting to discover the enzyme that allows for photosynthesis to occur in places where light is less visible. Scientists have not  implemented it into use. Scientists not only identified the gene that converts chlorophyll a to chlorophyll f, but identified the specific enzyme. This is the beginning of new advances in photosynthesis. In addition this discovery relates to green chemistry in that if harnessed, this could be an alternate energy source coming from plants as well as engineer crops to be more efficient. As stated by researchers Sekar and Ramasamyr, "Photosynthesis has potential for renewable energy generation in a sustainable and environment friendly manner. " 

Resources:
http://science.psu.edu/news-and-events/2016-news/Bryant7-2016
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389556714000409