Experts decode important component of photosynthesis

21 Nov 2019

Experts decode important component of photosynthesis

Experts decode important component of photosynthesisPhotosynthesis: A chemical reaction that takes place inside a plant, producing food for the plant to survive.

We all know that photosynthesis is the foundation of life on Earth that provides the food, oxygen and energy required to sustain the biosphere and human civilisation.

Scientists have been trying to decode (understand) the process of photosynthesis so that it can be replicated artificially, as well as improve plant yields.
 	Recently, they have solved the structure of one of the key components of photosynthesis, a protein complex called Cytochrome b6f.
 	The scientists said that Cytochrome b6f is the beating heart of photosynthesis and plays a big role in plant growth.
 	They found that the protein complex provides the electrical connection between the two light-powered chlorophyll-proteins (Photosystems I and II) found in the plant cell chloroplast that convert sunlight into chemical energy.
 	Previous studies have shown that by changing the levels of this protein complex, we can grow bigger and better plants.

This new discovery could lead to photosynthesis being 'redesigned' to achieve higher plant yields that are urgently needed to support approximately 9-10 billion people by 2050.

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Photosynthesis: A chemical reaction that takes place inside a plant, producing food for the plant to survive. We all know that photosynthesis is the foundation […]

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