New study resolves mystery surrounding unique light-harvesting structures in algae
Organisms capable of photosynthesis—a biochemical process that converts solar energy into chemical energy—consist of special assemblies of proteins and pigments that capture light energy efficiently. These assemblies are known as light-harvesting complexes (LHCs). They not only capture the sunlight but also initiate a series of events wherein energy is transmitted from one molecular complex to another, ultimately 'trapping' the energy in the form of chemical bonds in organic compounds. Moreover, LHCs take part in the dissipation or 'quenching' of excess energy under strong light, to protect the cells from light-induced damage, called photodamage. The conversion of light energy to chemical energy takes place in two distinct photosystems, photosystem I and II (PSI and PSII). The intriguing features of LHCs, including their structures and relationship with other molecules in the photosystems, have remained poorly understood.