How does the plant convert sunlight into electrical energy?

Mohammed Shaban

Photosynthesis is the basis of life on Earth, providing oxygen, food and energy to preserve the Earth's biosphere, as well as to the survival of human civilization.

Despite its ambiguity, scientists have been able to discover the composition of a key component of photosynthesis, which could have important implications if we could reformulate it to provide higher energy returns and food security needs.

Scientists from the University of Sheffield in collaboration with the Astbury Center for Structural Molecular Biology at the University of Leeds in the UK have revealed the synthesis of an important protein complex in a process. Photosynthesis, a cytochrome b6f that directly affects plant growth.

Photosynthesis is divided into two main systems, the first and the second, which consist of a number of proteins and green chlorophyll pigments that absorb sunlight. By building the synthetic form of the cytochrome B6F protein, scientists have found that it acts as a link between the first and second photovoltaic systems, so the plant can convert sunlight into electrical energy.

Output power batteries
"This study provides a new explanation of how cytochrome P6F uses the electric current passing through it to charge a proton battery," explains Lorna Malone, a senior researcher and doctoral student at the University of Sheffield. .

This energy is then used to synthesize the energy compound in the cell, known as adenosine triphosphate, which provides the energy that plants need to convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and other vital components, which maintain the global food chain. ''

High precision natural sensor
This high-precision structural structure reveals new details played by the cytochrome P6F as a sensor to adjust the efficiency of photosynthesis according to the change in ambient conditions. Such a response protects plants from damage, especially when exposed to extreme conditions, such as dehydration or excessive light.

Scientists are currently understanding the mechanism by which cytochrome B6F function is regulated, which occurs with the help of a large number of regulatory proteins.

"The cytochrome B6F is the beating heart of photosynthesis, which plays a crucial role in regulating the efficiency of photosynthesis," says Dr. Matt Johnson (one of the authors of the study).

Some previous studies have shown that by manipulating the levels of this protein complex, we can produce larger and better plant varieties, according to Johnson.

He says we hope to restructure photosynthesis in crops to be more productive to meet the needs of a population expected to grow by nine to 10 billion by 2050.