Biosynthesis of chlorophyll and bilins in algae

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    Abstract

    Chlorophylls and bilins are tetrapyrrole pigments that are synthesized from the universal five carbon precursor aminolevulinic acid (ALA). All algae and cyanobacteria make chlorophylls, and they also appear to have the ability to make bilins. The primary use of chlorophylls and bilins are as light harvesting pigments in these organisms. Chlorophylls are present in the light harvesting complexes and reaction centres while bilins are pigment components of phycobilisomes. Phycobilisomes appear to be restricted to the cyanobacteria, glaucophytes, red algae and the secondary endosymbiotic ancestors of the red algae such as the cryptophytes. This chapter explores the diversity and biosynthesis of both bilins and chlorophylls which are used in light harvesting for photosynthesis in algae and cyanobacteria.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationPhotosynthesis in algae
    Subtitle of host publicationbiochemical and physiological mechanisms
    EditorsAnthony W. D. Larkum, Arthur R. Grossman, John A. Raven
    Place of PublicationCham, Switzerland
    PublisherSpringer, Springer Nature
    Chapter5
    Pages83-103
    Number of pages21
    ISBN (Electronic)9783030333973
    ISBN (Print)9783030333966
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2020

    Publication series

    NameAdvances in Photosynthesis and Respiration (including Bioenergy and Related Processes)
    PublisherSpringer
    Volume45
    ISSN (Print)1572-0233
    ISSN (Electronic)2215-0102

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