Protein envelope enhances photosynthesis of diatoms
Published: Wednesday, Oct 16th 2024, 17:00
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A protein shell helps diatoms to bind carbon dioxide from the ocean more efficiently and convert it into nutrients. This discovery was made by researchers from the Biozentrum of the University of Basel together with colleagues from the UK and Japan.
With the converted nutrients, diatoms can feed a large proportion of life in the ocean. They cannot be seen with the naked eye, but are among the most productive algae species in the ocean and play an important role in the global carbon cycle, as the University of Basel announced on Wednesday. Diatoms store up to 20 percent of the carbon dioxide on earth.
When the researchers removed the protein shell, they found that the algae were significantly less able to bind carbon dioxide. Photosynthesis was less efficient and cell growth was reduced.
The discovery of the protein envelope opens up promising avenues for biotechnological research to combat climate change, the report continued. The discovery should contribute to new applications that improve photosynthesis and capture more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is now important to carry out basic research in order to find more opportunities for future innovations.
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