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  • Substantial near-infrared radiation-driven photosynthesis of chlorophyll f-containing cyanobacteria in a natural habitat.

Substantial near-infrared radiation-driven photosynthesis of chlorophyll f-containing cyanobacteria in a natural habitat.

eLife (2020-01-22)
Michael Kühl, Erik Trampe, Maria Mosshammer, Michael Johnson, Anthony Wd Larkum, Niels-Ulrik Frigaard, Klaus Koren
ABSTRACT

Far-red absorbing chlorophylls are constitutively present as chlorophyll (Chl) d in the cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina, or dynamically expressed by synthesis of Chl f, red-shifted phycobiliproteins and minor amounts of Chl d via far-red light photoacclimation in a range of cyanobacteria, which enables them to use near-infrared-radiation (NIR) for oxygenic photosynthesis. While the biochemistry and molecular physiology of Chl f-containing cyanobacteria has been unraveled in culture studies, their ecological significance remains unexplored and no data on their in situ activity exist. With a novel combination of hyperspectral imaging, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and nanoparticle-based O2 imaging, we demonstrate substantial NIR-driven oxygenic photosynthesis by endolithic, Chl f-containing cyanobacteria within natural beachrock biofilms that are widespread on (sub)tropical coastlines. This indicates an important role of NIR-driven oxygenic photosynthesis in primary production of endolithic and other shaded habitats.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Methanol, suitable for HPLC, ≥99.9%
Sigma-Aldrich
Acetone, HPLC Plus, for HPLC, GC, and residue analysis, ≥99.9%
Supelco
Ascentis® C18 HPLC Column, 5 μm particle size, L × I.D. 25 cm × 4.6 mm