Abstract
Carotenoids are usually considered to perform two major functions in photosynthesis. They serve as accessory light harvesting pigments, extending the range of wavelengths over which light can drive photosynthesis, and they act to protect the chlorophyllous pigments from the harmful photodestructive reaction which occurs in the presence of oxygen. Drawing upon recent work with photosynthetic bacteria, evidence is presented as to how the carotenoids are organized within both portions of the photosynthetic unit (the light harvesting antenna and the reaction centre) and how they discharge both their functions. The accessory pigment role is a singlet-singlet energy transfer from the carotenoid to the bacteriochlorophyll, while the protective role is a triplet-triplet energy transfer from the bacteriochlorophyll to the carotenoid.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. B, Biological Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
