Antenna Modification in a Fast-Growing Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 Leads to Improved Efficiency and Carbon-Neutral Productivity
Annesha Sengupta, Anindita Bandyopadhyay, Max G. Schubert, George M. Church, Himadri B. Pakrasi
Abstract
Light energy is essential for the existence of life on this planet, and only photosynthetic organisms, equipped with light-harvesting antenna protein complexes, can capture this energy, making it readily accessible to all other life forms. However, these light-harvesting antennae are not designed to function optimally under extreme high light, a condition which can cause photodamage and significantly reduce photosynthetic productivity. In this study, we attempt to assess the optimal antenna structure for a fast-growing, high-light tolerant photosynthetic microbe with the goal of improving its productivity. Our findings provide concrete evidence that although the antenna complex is essential, antenna modification is a viable strategy to maximize strain performance under controlled growth conditions. This understanding can also be translated into identifying avenues to improve light harvesting efficiency in higher photoautotrophs.