Using single particle spectroscopy, researchers from the Squires Lab revealed molecular insights into how different types of photosynthetic bacteria can use a shared mechanism to protect themselves from too much sunlight.
Using single particle spectroscopy, researchers from the Squires Lab revealed molecular insights into how different types of photosynthetic bacteria can use a shared mechanism to protect themselves from too much sunlight.
Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, are found almost everywhere in the world—from hot springs to arctic ice to antioxidant smoothies.
Part of their extreme adaptability lies within a unique light-harvesting structure called the phycobilisome. These modular antennae both collect energy from sunlight, and adapt to changing light levels in order to provide a sort of sunscreen for the bacteria.
One important way that phycobilisomes adapt involves an accessory protein to both sense and protect against too much light. But it’s not clear just how this tiny protein works.
Read More: University of Chicago
Image: Researchers from the Squires Lab at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, including Asst. Prof. Allison Squires (left) and first author Ayesha Ejaz, PhD'25, have revealed new insights into the mechanisms that cyanobacteria and different types of photosynthetic bacteria use to protect themselves. (Credit: UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering / John Zich)
