Jump to content

How dinoflagellates protect themselves during photosynthesis


Harlequinmania
 Share

Recommended Posts

  • SRC Supporter

During photosynthesis at high light intensities dangerous oxygen radicals can form inside cells. Dinoflagellates have a unique light-harvesting complex (antenna) which can divert superfluous energy extremely efficiently to avoid this cell damage. Biophysicists have now been able to determine which molecules in the antenna are of significance. In the complex four carotenoid molecules cluster around a central chlorophyll molecule. The researchers were able to identify one specific carotenoid as a type of integrated lightning rod. It interacts with a ?short-living? (nanosecond range, one millionth of a millisecond), energetically activated state of the chlorophyll and diverts the superfluous energy as soon as the chlorophyll passes into a ?long-living? (microsecond range, a thousandth of a millisecond) energy state dangerous for the cell.

View the full article

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share



  • Join us on the largest Reefing community in Asia!

    Sign up and share your reefing journey with us, make friends and get helps from the community .

     

  • Topics

  • Latest Update

    1. 0

      What is the number for British Airways Dubai?

    2. 0

      [@ir~Cheap^Deals] What are the cheapest days to fly on Air France  ?

    3. 0

      Can I cancel my British Airways flight & get a refund?

    4. 0

      ||Albania|| Temu Coupon Code ╰➥ ''ALL 10,500'' {[ACY181644]} For Existing Customer + 40% Off (Free Shipping)

    5. 0

      [1-888-401-3767]Can you get a full refund from American?

×
×
  • Create New...