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Photosynthesis has been using energy from sunlight to assimilate atmospheric CO2 for at least 3.5 billion years. Through evolution and natural selection, photosynthetic organisms have flourished in almost all aquatic and terrestrial environments. This is partly due to the diversity of light-harvesting complex (LHC) proteins, which facilitate photosystem assembly, efficient excitation energy transfer, and photoprotection. Structural advances have provided angstrom-level structures of many of these proteins and have expanded our understanding of the pigments, lipids, and residues that drive LHC function. In this review, we compare and contrast recently observed cryo-electron microscopy structures across photosynthetic eukaryotes to identify structural motifs that underlie various light-harvesting strategies. We discuss subtle monomer changes that result in macroscale reorganization of LHC oligomers. Additionally, we find recurring patterns across diverse LHCs that may serve as evolutionary stepping stones for functional diversification. Advancing our understanding of LHC protein-environment interactions will improve our capacity to engineer more productive crops.

To understand the effects and related potential mechanism of H2O2 on pigment metabolism in postharvest broccoli, an integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome was performed. Results suggested that 65 differentially expressed genes and 26 differentially accumulated metabolites involved in chlorophyll, carotenoid, and flavonoid metabolism were identified. H2O2 treatment delayed the decrease of chlorophyll content by upregulating the expressions of chlorophyll synthetic genes, thylakoid synthetic genes, and 15 light‐harvesting complex genes compared with the control and diphenylene iodonium treatments. H2O2 treatment decreased the accumulation of 11 flavonoids and 5 flavonols by downregulating the flavonoid synthetic genes. In addition, H2O2 treatment promoted carotenoid biosynthesis to eliminate reactive oxygen species in thylakoids, thereby protecting chlorophyll molecules from degradation. The inhibition of flavonoids and flavonols accumulation and chlorophyll decrease was the crucial reason for the delayed yellowing in H2O2 treatment. This study provides a new method and theoretical support for delaying the yellowing process in postharvest broccoli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) are diversified among photosynthetic organisms, and the structure of the photosystem I-LHC (PSI-LHCI) supercomplex has been shown to be variable depending on the species of organisms. However, the structural and evolutionary correlations of red-lineage LHCs are unknown. Here, we determined a 1.92-Å resolution cryoelectron microscopic structure of a PSI-LHCI supercomplex isolated from the red alga Cyanidium caldarium RK-1 (NIES-2137), which is an important taxon in the Cyanidiophyceae. We subsequently investigated the correlations of PSI-LHCIs from different organisms through structural comparisons and phylogenetic analysis. The PSI-LHCI structure obtained shows five LHCI subunits surrounding a PSI-monomer core. The five LHCIs are composed of two Lhcr1s, two Lhcr2s, and one Lhcr3. Phylogenetic analysis of LHCs bound to PSI in the red-lineage algae showed clear orthology of LHCs between C. caldarium and Cyanidioschyzon merolae, whereas no orthologous relationships were found between C. caldarium Lhcr1-3 and LHCs in other red-lineage PSI-LHCI structures. These findings provide evolutionary insights into conservation and diversity of red-lineage LHCs associated with PSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of photosensitized luminescence of singlet oxygen has been applied to studies of singlet oxygen generation and quenching by C40 carotenoids (neurosporene, lycopene, rhodopin, and spirilloxanthin) with long chain of conjugated double bonds (CDB) using hexafluorobenzene as a solvent. It has been found that neurosporene, lycopene, and rhodopin are capable of the low efficient singlet oxygen generation in aerated solutions upon photoexcitation in the spectral region of their main absorption maxima. The quantum yield of this process was estimated to be (1.5–3.0) × 10−2. This value is near the singlet oxygen yields in solutions of ζ-carotene (7 CDB) and phytoene (3 CDB) and many-fold smaller than in solutions of phytofluene (5 CDB) (Ashikhmin et al. Biochemistry (Mosc) 85:773–780, https://doi.org/10.1134/S0006297920070056, 2020, Biochemistry (Mosc) 87:1169–1178, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1134/S00062979221001082022). Photogeneration of singlet oxygen was not observed in spirilloxanthin solutions. A correlation was found between the singlet oxygen yields and the quantum yields and lifetimes of the fluorescence of the carotenoid molecules. All carotenoids were shown to be strong physical quenchers of singlet oxygen. The rate constants of 1O2 quenching by the carotenoids with long chain of CDB (9–13) were close to the rate constant of the diffusion-limited reactions ≈1010 M−1 s−1, being many-fold greater than the rate constants of 1O2 quenching by the carotenoids with the short chain of CDB (3–7) phytoene, phytofluene, and ζ-carotene studied in prior papers of our group (Ashikhmin et al. 2020, 2022). To our knowledge, the quenching rate constants of rhodopin and spirilloxanthin have been obtained in this paper for the first time. The mechanisms of 1O2 photogeneration by carotenoids in solution and in the LH2 complexes of photosynthetic cells, as well as the efficiencies of their protective action are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distinct photochemical and electrochemical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) boosted the research interest in nanomaterial utilization in different in vivo and in vitro photosynthetic biohybrid setups. Aiming to unravel the yet not fully understood energetic interactions between the nanotubes and photosynthetic pigment–protein assemblies in an aqueous milieu, we studied SWCNT effects on the photochemical reactions of isolated thylakoid membranes (TMs), Photosystem II (PSII)-enriched membrane fragments and light-harvesting complexes (LHCII). The SWCNTs induced quenching of the steady-state chlorophyll fluorescence in the TM-biohybrid systems with a corresponding shortening of the average fluorescence lifetimes. The effect was not related to changes in the integrity and macroorganization of the photosynthetic membranes. Moreover, we found no evidence for direct excitation energy exchange between the SWCNTs and pigment–protein complexes, since neither the steady-state nor time-resolved fluorescence of LHCII-biohybrid systems differed from the corresponding controls. The attenuation of the fluorescence signal in the TM-biohybrid systems indicates possible leakage of photosynthetic electrons toward the nanotubes that most probably occurs at the level of the PSII acceptor site. Although it is too early to speculate on the nature of the involved electron donors and intermediate states, the observed energetic interaction could be exploited to increase the photoelectron capture efficiency of natural biohybrid systems for solar energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integral membrane proteins are exposed to a complex and dynamic lipid environment modulated by nonbilayer lipids that can influence protein functions by lipid-protein interactions. The nonbilayer lipid monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) is the most abundant lipid in plant photosynthetic thylakoid membranes, but its impact on the functionality of energy-converting membrane protein complexes is unknown. Here, we optimized a detergent-based reconstitution protocol to develop a proteoliposome technique that incorporates the major light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) into compositionally well-defined large unilamellar lipid bilayer vesicles to study the impact of MGDG on light harvesting by LHCII. Using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, and time-correlated single-photon counting, we found that both chlorophyll fluorescence quantum yields and fluorescence lifetimes clearly indicate that the presence of MGDG in lipid bilayers switches LHCII from a light-harvesting to a more energy-quenching mode that dissipates harvested light into heat. It is hypothesized that in the in vitro system developed here, MGDG controls light harvesting of LHCII by modulating the hydrostatic lateral membrane pressure profile in the lipid bilayer sensed by LHCII-bound peripheral pigments.

The vast majority of the energy and substance required for maize growth and development and related metabolic processes come from the photosynthesis of leaves. Over the past 60 years, the amount of solar radiation reaching the earth's surface has decreased significantly, reducing the photosynthetic rate of crops and leading to a significant reduction in yields. However, (1) the effects of shading stress on stomatal characteristics, electron transport efficiency of summer maize leaves and (2) the adaptability of summer maize to low light are still unclear. In order to investigate this problems, maize hybrid Denghai605 (DH605) was used as the experimental materials, and two treatments of shading (shading degree is 60%) and CK (natural light as control) were set in the field. The results showed that shading stress resulted in chloroplast dysplasia, and the overall performance of the two photosystems was reduced by 27.85%. The number of stomata per unit area decreased by 15.6% and the proportion of stomatal opening decreased by 73.1% after shading, which resulted in a significant 27.7% reduction in intercellular CO2 concentration. Shading significantly reduced photosynthetic rate by affecting stomatal characteristics and electron transport, and the former was the main influencing factor. The decrease in carbon assimilation capacity resulted in insufficient assimilate supply and significantly reduced grain allocation ratio, resulting in a significant yield reduction of 57.5%. However, in the low‐light environment, the expression of chlorophyll‐binding protein in the leaf of summer maize was upregulated, the content of Lhcb1 protein of the light harvesting pigment protein complex II (LHCII) was increased, and the content of photosynthetic pigment, especially chlorophyll b, was increased, which increased the absorption and capture of blue light, improved the efficiency of light energy utilization, and was a stress manifestation of summer maize adapting to shading stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photosynthetic apparatus is a highly modular assembly of large pigment-binding proteins. Complexes called antennae can capture the sunlight and direct it from the periphery of two Photosystems (I, II) to the core reaction centers, where it is converted into chemical energy. The apparatus must cope with the natural light fluctuations that can become detrimental to the viability of the photosynthetic organism. Here we present an atomic scale view of the photoprotective mechanism that is activated on this line of defense by several photosynthetic organisms to avoid overexcitation upon excess illumination. We provide a complete macroscopic to microscopic picture with specific details on the conformations of the major antenna of Photosystem II that could be associated with the switch from the light-harvesting to the photoprotective state. This is achieved by combining insight from both experiments and all-atom simulations from our group and the literature in a perspective article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf pigment complex traits of 44 wetland plant species from the Middle Urals (Russia) were studied to analyze their diversity in relation to taxonomy and life forms. The chlorophyll content per dry weight (ChlDW) and leaf area (ChlArea), the ratio of chlorophylls a and b, and CO2 uptake rates (ADW) were determined. ChlDW varied by 10-fold from 2.20 to 21.9 mg g−1 among the wetland plant species. The influence of taxonomy at the level of classes on the variation of the pigment complex traits was revealed. Dicots had greater ChlDW and had a greater proportion of chlorophylls in the light-harvesting complex (ChlLHC) than monocots. In dicots, ChlLHC was positively correlated with leaf area ratio (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), and the effect of life forms on the content and ratio of pigments was determined. In monocots, chlorophyll content was positively correlated with ADW (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) and plant height (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). In monocots, the effect of families on the pigment content was observed. The lack of differences in ChlArea between the different systematic groups and life forms indicates a similar ability of the leaf area unit to absorb a solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthesis constitutes the only known natural process that captures the solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into biomass. The primary reactions of photosynthesis are catalyzed by the photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) complexes. Both photosystems associate with antennae complexes whose main function is to increase the light-harvesting capability of the core. In order to maintain optimal photosynthetic activity under a constantly changing natural light environment, plants and green algae regulate the absorbed photo-excitation energy between PSI and PSII through processes known as state transitions. State transitions represent a short-term light adaptation mechanism for balancing the energy distribution between the two photosystems by relocating light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) proteins. The preferential excitation of PSII (state 2) results in the activation of a chloroplast kinase which in turn phosphorylates LHCII, a process followed by the release of phosphorylated LHCII from PSII and its migration to PSI, thus forming the PSI–LHCI–LHCII supercomplex. The process is reversible, as LHCII is dephosphorylated and returns to PSII under the preferential excitation of PSI. In recent years, high-resolution structures of the PSI–LHCI–LHCII supercomplex from plants and green algae were reported. These structural data provide detailed information on the interacting patterns of phosphorylated LHCII with PSI and on the pigment arrangement in the supercomplex, which is critical for constructing the excitation energy transfer pathways and for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism of state transitions progress. In this review, we focus on the structural data of the state 2 supercomplex from plants and green algae and discuss the current state of knowledge concerning the interactions between antenna and the PSI core and the potential energy transfer pathways in these supercomplexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel peripheral light-harvesting (LH) complex designated as LL LH2 was isolated along with LH4 complex from Rhodopseudomonas palustris cells grown under low light intensity (LL). FPLC-MS/MS allowed to reveal PucABd and PucBabc apoproteins in LL LH2 complex, which is different from previously described LH4 complex containing PucABd, PucABa and PucBb. The main carotenoids in LL LH2 complex were rhodopin and 3,4-didehydrorhodopin. Three-dimensional modeling demonstrated which amino acid residues of all the β-subunits could interact with carotenoids (Car) and bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a). Analysis of amino acid sequences of β-subunits of both LL complexes showed presence of different C-terminal motifs, IESSVNVG in αa subunit and IESSIKAV in αd subunit, in the same positions of C-termini, which could reflect different retention force of LL LH2 and LH4 on hydroxyl apatite, facilitating successful isolation of these complexes. Differences of these LL complexes in protein and carotenoid composition, in efficiency of energy transfer from Car to BChl a, which is two times lower in LL LH2 than in LH4, allow to assign it to a novel type of lightharvesting complex in Rhodopseudomonas palustris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a ubiquitous picophytoplankton in the ocean and an early-branching green alga, Ostreococcus tauri is a model prasinophyte species for studying the functional evolution of the light-harvesting systems in photosynthesis. Here, we report the structure and function of the O. tauri photosystem I (PSI) supercomplex in low light conditions, where it expands its photon-absorbing capacity by assembling with the light-harvesting complexes I (LHCI) and a prasinophyte-specific light-harvesting complex (Lhcp). The architecture of the supercomplex exhibits hybrid features of the plant-type and the green algal-type PSI supercomplexes, consisting of a PSI core, an Lhca1-Lhca4-Lhca2-Lhca3 belt attached on one side and an Lhca5-Lhca6 heterodimer associated on the other side between PsaG and PsaH. Interestingly, nine Lhcp subunits, including one Lhcp1 monomer with a phosphorylated amino-terminal threonine and eight Lhcp2 monomers, oligomerize into three trimers and associate with PSI on the third side between Lhca6 and PsaK. The Lhcp1 phosphorylation and the light-harvesting capacity of PSI were subjected to reversible photoacclimation, suggesting that the formation of OtPSI-LHCI-Lhcp supercomplex is likely due to a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism induced by changes in light intensity. Notably, this supercomplex did not exhibit far-red peaks in the 77 K fluorescence spectra, which is possibly due to the weak coupling of the chlorophyll a603-a609 pair in OtLhca1-4.

Novel peripheral light-harvesting (LH) complex designated as LL LH2 was isolated along with LH4 complex from Rhodopseudomonas palustris cells grown under low light intensity (LL). FPLC-MS/MS allowed to reveal PucABd and PucBabc apoproteins in LL LH2 complex, which is different from previously described LH4 complex containing PucABd, PucABa and PucBb. The main carotenoids in LL LH2 complex were rhodopin and 3,4-didehydrorhodopin. Three-dimensional modeling demonstrated which amino acid residues of all the β-subunits could interact with carotenoids (Car) and bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a). Analysis of amino acid sequences of α-subunits of both LL complexes showed presence of different C-terminal motifs, IESSVNVG in αa subunit and IESSIKAV in αd subunit, in the same positions of C-termini, which could reflect different retention force of LL LH2 and LH4 on hydroxyl apatite, facilitating successful isolation of these complexes. Differences of these LL complexes in protein and carotenoid composition, in efficiency of energy transfer from Car to BChl a, which is two times lower in LL LH2 than in LH4, allow to assign it to a novel type of light-harvesting complex in Rhodopseudomonas palustris.

The phenomenon of photosynthetic adaptation of cyanobacteria to far-red light (FRL; 700−750 nm) is closely related to such basic themes as: phototrophy, microbial ecology, and diversity of bacteria. In applied terms, this bioenergetic strategy is essential for biotechnology, with a perspective to possess additional photosynthetic energy. The majority of cyanobacteria is known to use 400−700 nm light, excited state being channeled from light-harvesting complex to reaction centers of two photosystems containing chlorophyll (Chl) a showing red maxima at ~700 nm. After the isolation of first strains producing Chls d and f it became clear that cyanobacteria can also use FRL. Large amount of data has been obtained on cyanobacteria which constitutively produce Chl d as well as on those strains which produce Chl f or Chl f/Chl d during FRL photoacclimation (FaRLiP). Inclusion of these pigments in photosynthetic apparatus, particularly using FaRLiP mechanisms, augments the adaptive potential of cyanobacteria and expands their distribution range. The review provides evidence on such aspects as: photosynthetic apparatus containing Chl d or Chld/Chl f; the FaRLiP gene cluster; phylogeny of cyanobacteria which constitutively or inducibly produce red-shifted chlorophylls; the use of chlorophylls in chemotaxonomy of cyanobacteria, and application of this character in nomenclature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genomes of some purple photosynthetic bacteria contain a multigene puc family encoding a series of a- and ß-polypeptides that together form a heterogeneous antenna of light-harvesting 2 (LH2) complexes. To unravel this complexity, we generated four sets of puc deletion mutants in Rhodopseudomonas palustris, each encoding a single type of pucBA gene pair and enabling the purification of complexes designated as PucA-LH2, PucB-LH2, PucD-LH2, and PucE-LH2. The structures of all four purified LH2 complexes were determined by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) at resolutions ranging from 2.7 to 3.6 Å. Uniquely, each of these complexes contains a hitherto unknown polypeptide, γ, that forms an extended undulating ribbon that lies in the plane of the membrane and that encloses six of the nine LH2 αβ-subunits. The γ-subunit, which is located near to the cytoplasmic side of the complex, breaks the C9 symmetry of the LH2 complex and binds six extra bacteriochlorophylls (BChls) that enhance the 800-nm absorption of each complex. The structures show that all four complexes have two complete rings of BChls, conferring absorption bands centered at 800 and 850 nm on the PucA-LH2, PucB-LH2, and PucE-LH2 complexes, but, unusually, the PucD-LH2 antenna has only a single strong near-infared (NIR) absorption peak at 803 nm. Comparison of the cryo-EM structures of these LH2 complexes reveals altered patterns of hydrogen bonds between LH2 aß-side chains and the bacteriochlorin rings, further emphasizing the major role that H bonds play in spectral tuning of bacterial antenna complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue‐green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, contain some of the most efficient light‐harvesting complexes known. These large, colourful complexes consist of phycobiliproteins which are extremely valuable in the cosmetics, food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, the colourful and fluorescent properties of phycobiliproteins can be modulated by metal ions, making them highly attractive as heavy metal sensors and heavy metal scavengers. Although the overall quenching ability metal ions have on phycobiliproteins is known, the mechanism of heavy metal binding to phycobiliproteins is not fully understood, limiting their widespread quantitative applications. Here, we show using high‐resolution native mass spectrometry that phycobiliprotein complexes bind metal ions in different manners. Through monitoring the binding equilibria and metal‐binding stoichiometry, we show in particular copper and silver to have drastic, yet different effects on phycobiliprotein structure, both copper and silver modulate the overall complex properties. Together, the data reveals the mechanisms by which metal ions can modulate phycobiliprotein properties which can be used as a basis for the future design of metal‐related phycobiliprotein applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthetic organisms adapt to a variety of light conditions. Codium fragile, a macrosiphonous green alga, binds a unique carbonyl carotenoid, siphonaxanthin, to its major photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes, allowing it to utilize dim blue-green light for photosynthesis. Here, we describe the absolute chemical structure of a novel siphonaxanthin biosynthetic precursor, 19-deoxysiphonaxanthin, that accumulates specifically in the photosynthetic antenna only when cultivated under blue-green light. The action spectra of pigment accumulation suggest that siphonaxanthin biosynthesis is regulated by a specific wavelength profile. The results provide clues to a new acclimation mechanism to withstand hours of intense light at low tide and why siphonous algae have been growing invasively on the world's coasts for more than a century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress affects plant growth and productivity. In this study we determined the roles of eight genes involved in photosynthesis, using gene co-expression network analysis, under salt-stress conditions using Arabidopsis knockout mutants. The green area of the leaves was minimum in the at1g65230 mutant line. Rice LOC_Os01g68450, a homolog of at1g65230, was ectopically expressed in the at1g65230 mutant line to generate revertant lines. Under salt stress, the revertant lines exhibited significantly higher net photosynthesis rates than the at1g65230 mutant line. Moreover, the operating efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) and electron transport rate of the revertant lines were higher than those of the wild type and at1g65230 mutant line after 10 days of exposure to salt stress. After this period, the protein PsbD–the component of PSII–decreased in all lines tested without significant difference among them. However, the chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, and anthocyanin contents of revertant lines were higher than those of the mutant line. Furthermore, lower maximum chlorophyll fluorescence was detected in the revertant lines. This suggests that LOC_Os01g68450 expression contributed to the salt tolerance phenotype by modifying the energy dissipation process and led to the ability to maintain photosynthesis under salt stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Carotenoid biosynthesis is essential for the generation of photosynthetic pigments, phytohormone production, and flower color development. The light harvesting like 3 (LIL3) protein, which belongs to the light-harvesting complex protein family in photosystems, interacts with geranylgeranyl reductase (GGR) and protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) both of which are known to regulate terpenoid and chlorophyll biosynthesis, respectively, in both rice and Arabidopsis. Results In our study, a CRISPR-Cas9 generated 4-bp deletion mutant oslil3 showed aberrant chloroplast development, growth defects, low fertility rates and reduced pigment contents. A comparative transcriptomic analysis of oslil3 suggested that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in photosynthesis, cell wall modification, primary and secondary metabolism are differentially regulated in the mutant. Protein-protein interaction assays indicated that LIL3 interacts with phytoene synthase (PSY) and in addition the gene expression of PSY genes are regulated by LIL3. Subcellular localization of LIL3 and PSY suggested that both are thylakoid membrane anchored proteins in the chloroplast. We suggest that LIL3 directly interacts with PSY to regulate carotenoid biosynthesis. Conclusion This study reveals a new role of LIL3 in regulating pigment biosynthesis through interaction with the rate limiting enzyme PSY in carotenoid biosynthesis in rice presenting it as a putative target for genetic manipulation of pigment biosynthesis pathways in crop plants.

Trans-membrane signaling involving a serine/threonine kinase (Stt7 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) directs light energy distribution between the two photosystems of oxygenic photosynthesis. Oxidation of plastoquinol mediated by the cytochrome b6f complex on the electrochemically positive side of the thylakoid membrane activates the kinase domain of Stt7 on the trans (negative) side, leading to phosphorylation and redistribution ("state transition") of the light-harvesting chlorophyll proteins between the two photosystems. The molecular description of the Stt7 kinase and its interaction with the cytochrome b6f complex are unknown or unclear. In this study, Stt7 kinase has been cloned, expressed, and purified in a heterologous host. Stt7 kinase is shown to be active in vitro in the presence of reductant and purified as a tetramer, as determined by analytical ultracentrifugation, electron microscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, with a molecular weight of 332 kDa, consisting of an 83.41-kDa monomer. Far-UV circular dichroism spectra show Stt7 to be mostly α-helical and document a physical interaction with the b6f complex through increased thermal stability of Stt7 secondary structure. The activity of wild-type Stt7 and its Cys-Ser mutant at positions 68 and 73 in the presence of a reductant suggest that the enzyme does not require a disulfide bridge for its activity as suggested elsewhere. Kinase activation in vivo could result from direct interaction between Stt7 and the b6f complex or long-range reduction of Stt7 by superoxide, known to be generated in the b6f complex by quinol oxidation.

Genetic and genomic studies indicate that copper deficiency triggers changes in the expression of genes encoding key enzymes in various chloroplast-localized lipid/pigment biosynthetic pathways. Among these are CGL78 involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis and HPPD1, encoding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase catalyzing the committed step of plastoquinone and tocopherol biosyntheses. Copper deficiency in wild-type cells does not change the chlorophyll content, but a survey of chlorophyll protein accumulation in this situation revealed increased accumulation of LHCSR3, which is blocked at the level of mRNA accumulation when either CGL78 expression is reduced or in the crd1 mutant, which has a copper-nutrition conditional defect at the same step in chlorophyll biosynthesis. Again, like copper-deficient crd1 strains, cgl78 knock-down lines also have reduced chlorophyll content concomitant with loss of PSI-LHCI super-complexes and reduced abundance of a chlorophyll binding subunit of PSI, PSAK, which connects LHCI to PSI. For HPPD1, increased mRNA results in increased abundance of the corresponding protein in copper-deficient cells concomitant with CRR1-dependent increased accumulation of γ-tocopherols, but not plastoquinone-9 nor total tocopherols. In crr1 mutants, where increased HPPD1 expression is blocked, plastochromanol-8, derived from plastoquinone-9 and purported to also have an antioxidant function, is found instead. Although not previously found in algae, this metabolite may occur only in stress conditions.

The experimental observation of long-lived quantum coherence in the excitation energy transfer (EET) process of the several photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes at low and room temperatures has aroused hot debate. It challenges the common perception in the field of complicated pigment molecular systems and evokes considerable theoretical efforts to seek reasonable explanations. In this work, we investigate the coherent exciton dynamics of the phycoerythrin 545 (PE545) complex. We use the dissipation equation of motion to theoretically investigate the effect of the local pigment vibrations on the population transfer process. The result indicates that the realistic local pigment vibrations do assist the energy transmission. We demonstrate the coherence between different pigment molecules in the PE545 system is an essential ingredient in the EET process among various sites. The coherence makes the excitation energy delocalized, which leads to the redistribution of the excitation among all the chromophores in the steady state. Furthermore, we investigate the effects of the complex high-frequency spectral density function on the exciton dynamics and find that the high-frequency Brownian oscillator model contributes most to the exciton dynamic process. The discussions on the local pigment vibrations of the Brownian oscillator model suggest that the local heterogeneous protein environments and the effects of active vibration modes play a significant role in coherent energy transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) present in plants and green algae absorbs solar energy to promote photochemical reactions. A marine green macroalga, Codium fragile, exhibits the unique characteristic of absorbing blue-green light from the sun during photochemical reactions while being underwater owing to the presence of pigment-altered LHCII called siphonaxanthin–chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (SCP). In this study, we determined the structure of SCP at a resolution of 2.78 Å using cryogenic electron microscopy. SCP has a trimeric structure, wherein each monomer containing two lutein and two chlorophyll a molecules in the plant-type LHCII are replaced by siphonaxanthin and its ester and two chlorophyll b molecules, respectively. Siphonaxanthin occupies the binding site in SCP having a polarity in the trimeric inner core, and exhibits a distorted conjugated chain comprising a carbonyl group hydrogen bonded to a cysteine residue of apoprotein. These features suggest that the siphonaxanthin molecule is responsible for the characteristic green absorption of SCP. The replaced chlorophyll b molecules extend the region of the stromal side chlorophyll b cluster, spanning two adjacent monomers.

Photosynthesis constitutes the only known natural process that captures the solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into biomass. The primary reactions of photosynthesis are catalyzed by the photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) complexes. Both photosystems associate with antennae complexes whose main function is to increase the light-harvesting capability of the core. In order to maintain optimal photosynthetic activity under a constantly changing natural light environment, plants and green algae regulate the absorbed photo-excitation energy between PSI and PSII through processes known as state transitions. State transitions represent a short-term light adaptation mechanism for balancing the energy distribution between the two photosystems by relocating light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) proteins. The preferential excitation of PSII (state 2) results in the activation of a chloroplast kinase which in turn phosphorylates LHCII, a process followed by the release of phosphorylated LHCII from PSII and its migration to PSI, thus forming the PSI–LHCI–LHCII supercomplex. The process is reversible, as LHCII is dephosphorylated and returns to PSII under the preferential excitation of PSI. In recent years, high-resolution structures of the PSI–LHCI–LHCII supercomplex from plants and green algae were reported. These structural data provide detailed information on the interacting patterns of phosphorylated LHCII with PSI and on the pigment arrangement in the supercomplex, which is critical for constructing the excitation energy transfer pathways and for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism of state transitions progress. In this review, we focus on the structural data of the state 2 supercomplex from plants and green algae and discuss the current state of knowledge concerning the interactions between antenna and the PSI core and the potential energy transfer pathways in these supercomplexes.

The leaf pigment complex traits of 44 wetland plant species from the Middle Urals (Russia) were studied to analyze their diversity in relation to taxonomy and life forms. The chlorophyll content per dry weight (ChlDW) and leaf area (ChlArea), the ratio of chlorophylls a and b, and CO2 uptake rates (ADW) were determined. ChlDW varied by 10-fold from 2.20 to 21.9 mg g−1 among the wetland plant species. The influence of taxonomy at the level of classes on the variation of the pigment complex traits was revealed. Dicots had greater ChlDW and had a greater proportion of chlorophylls in the light-harvesting complex (ChlLHC) than monocots. In dicots, ChlLHC was positively correlated with leaf area ratio (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), and the effect of life forms on the content and ratio of pigments was determined. In monocots, chlorophyll content was positively correlated with ADW (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) and plant height (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). In monocots, the effect of families on the pigment content was observed. The lack of differences in ChlArea between the different systematic groups and life forms indicates a similar ability of the leaf area unit to absorb a solar energy.

Background: Carotenoid biosynthesis is essential for the generation of photosynthetic pigments, phytohormone production, and flower color development. The light harvesting like 3 (LIL3) protein, which belongs to the light-harvesting complex protein family in photosystems, interacts with geranylgeranyl reductase (GGR) and protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) both of which are known to regulate terpenoid and chlorophyll biosynthesis, respectively, in both rice and Arabidopsis. Results: In our study, a CRISPR-Cas9 generated 4-bp deletion mutant oslil3 showed aberrant chloroplast development, growth defects, low fertility rates and reduced pigment contents. A comparative transcriptomic analysis of oslil3 suggested that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in photosynthesis, cell wall modification, primary and secondary metabolism are differentially regulated in the mutant. Protein-protein interaction assays indicated that LIL3 interacts with phytoene synthase (PSY) and in addition the gene expression of PSY genes are regulated by LIL3. Subcellular localization of LIL3 and PSY suggested that both are thylakoid membrane anchored proteins in the chloroplast. We suggest that LIL3 directly interacts with PSY to regulate carotenoid biosynthesis. Conclusion: This study reveals a new role of LIL3 in regulating pigment biosynthesis through interaction with the rate limiting enzyme PSY in carotenoid biosynthesis in rice presenting it as a putative target for genetic manipulation of pigment biosynthesis pathways in crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A direct correlation exists between photosynthesis and microalgae biomass. • Wavelength and duration of light significantly influence algal growth. • Algae with small antenna size have high photosynthetic efficiency. • Productivity in a closed reactor, as well as an open pond system, is not uniform. Microalgae and the associated biomass have been advocated for various eco-friendly applications. Although, microalgae are a good source of biofuels, metabolites, and value-added products, their commercial cultivation suffers from limited biomass yield due to inefficient photosynthetic efficiency. Minimizing the light-harvesting antenna size of the photosystems has been recognized as an effective mechanism to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and overall biomass productivity in microalgal cultures. Several strategies including mutagenesis, through UV radiations and chemical mutagenesis, genetic engineering, and DNA insertional mutagenesis have been employed to obtain mutant strains possessing a regulated antenna with a regulated limited number of light-harvesting molecules. However, there are still a number of challenges associated with antenna mutants that need to be addressed. This review highlights the recent developments in truncated antenna mutants of microalgae, aiming to increase the photosynthetic efficiency and biomass productivity of the respective cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher plants and some algae convert the absorbed light into chemical energy through one of the most important organelles, chloroplast, for photosynthesis and store it in the form of organic compounds to supply their life activities. However, more and more studies have shown that the role of chloroplasts is more than a factory for photosynthesis. In the process of light conversion to chemical energy, any damage to the components of chloroplast may affect the photosynthesis efficiency and promote the production of by-products, reactive oxygen species, that are mainly produced in the chloroplasts. Substantial evidence show that chloroplasts are also involved in the battle of plants and microbes. Chloroplasts are important in integrating a variety of external environmental stimuli and regulate plant immune responses by transmitting signals to the nucleus and other cell compartments through retrograde signaling pathways. Besides, chloroplasts can also regulate the biosynthesis and signal transduction of phytohormones, including salicylic acid and jasmonic acid, to affect the interaction between the plants and microbes. Since chloroplasts play such an important role in plant immunity, correspondingly, chloroplasts have become the target of pathogens. Different microbial pathogens target the chloroplast and affect its functions to promote their colonization in the host plants.

Salt stress affects plant growth and productivity. In this study we determined the roles of eight genes involved in photosynthesis, using gene co-expression network analysis, under salt-stress conditions using Arabidopsis knockout mutants. The green area of the leaves was minimum in the at1g65230 mutant line. Rice LOC_Os01g68450, a homolog of at1g65230, was ectopically expressed in the at1g65230 mutant line to generate revertant lines. Under salt stress, the revertant lines exhibited significantly higher net photosynthesis rates than the at1g65230 mutant line. Moreover, the operating efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) and electron transport rate of the revertant lines were higher than those of the wild type and at1g65230 mutant line after 10 days of exposure to salt stress. After this period, the protein PsbD–the component of PSII–decreased in all lines tested without significant difference among them. However, the chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, and anthocyanin contents of revertant lines were higher than those of the mutant line. Furthermore, lower maximum chlorophyll fluorescence was detected in the revertant lines. This suggests that LOC_Os01g68450 expression contributed to the salt tolerance phenotype by modifying the energy dissipation process and led to the ability to maintain photosynthesis under salt stress conditions.

Background: Carotenoid biosynthesis is essential for the generation of photosynthetic pigments, phytohormone production, and flower color development. The light harvesting like 3 (LIL3) protein, which belongs to the light-harvesting complex protein family in photosystems, interacts with geranylgeranyl reductase (GGR) and protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) both of which are known to regulate terpenoid and chlorophyll biosynthesis, respectively, in both rice and Arabidopsis. Results: In our study, a CRISPR-Cas9 generated 4-bp deletion mutant oslil3 showed aberrant chloroplast development, growth defects, low fertility rates and reduced pigment contents. A comparative transcriptomic analysis of oslil3 suggested that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in photosynthesis, cell wall modification, primary and secondary metabolism are differentially regulated in the mutant. Protein-protein interaction assays indicated that LIL3 interacts with phytoene synthase (PSY) and in addition the gene expression of PSY genes are regulated by LIL3. Subcellular localization of LIL3 and PSY suggested that both are thylakoid membrane anchored proteins in the chloroplast. We suggest that LIL3 directly interacts with PSY to regulate carotenoid biosynthesis. Conclusion: This study reveals a new role of LIL3 in regulating pigment biosynthesis through interaction with the rate limiting enzyme PSY in carotenoid biosynthesis in rice presenting it as a putative target for genetic manipulation of pigment biosynthesis pathways in crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher plants and some algae convert the absorbed light into chemical energy through one of the most important organelles, chloroplast, for photosynthesis and store it in the form of organic compounds to supply their life activities. However, more and more studies have shown that the role of chloroplasts is more than a factory for photosynthesis. In the process of light conversion to chemical energy, any damage to the components of chloroplast may affect the photosynthesis efficiency and promote the production of by-products, reactive oxygen species, that are mainly produced in the chloroplasts. Substantial evidence show that chloroplasts are also involved in the battle of plants and microbes. Chloroplasts are important in integrating a variety of external environmental stimuli and regulate plant immune responses by transmitting signals to the nucleus and other cell compartments through retrograde signaling pathways. Besides, chloroplasts can also regulate the biosynthesis and signal transduction of phytohormones, including salicylic acid and jasmonic acid, to affect the interaction between the plants and microbes. Since chloroplasts play such an important role in plant immunity, correspondingly, chloroplasts have become the target of pathogens. Different microbial pathogens target the chloroplast and affect its functions to promote their colonization in the host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation has been widely used to replace continuous flooding (CF), which does not result in yield loss while improving water productivity. However, it is still unexplored as to how this agricultural practice would affect gene expression to control plant physiology. In this study, we found that photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), chlorophyll (Chl) content, and leaf water potential (Lwp) significantly decreased while abscisic acid (ABA) content and water use efficiency (WUE) increased when soil water potential reached to −15 kPa in the AWD irrigation regime. We then analyzed the differences between AWD and CF irrigation practices in transcriptomic profiles for flag leaves. Genes were found to be differentially expressed in photosynthesis related pathways namely, Chl biosynthesis, photosynthesis‐antenna proteins pathway, photosynthesis process, and ABA signal transduction pathway. The study provides important information on the morphological adaptations observed in the flag leaves in response to AWD irrigation, which will act as a basic framework to conduct molecular studies for improving rice cultivation.

Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation has been widely used to replace continuous flooding (CF), which does not result in yield loss while improving water productivity. However, it is still unexplored as to how this agricultural practice would affect gene expression to control plant physiology. In this study, we found that photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), chlorophyll (Chl) content, and leaf water potential (Lwp) significantly decreased while abscisic acid (ABA) content and water use efficiency (WUE) increased when soil water potential reached to −15 kPa in the AWD irrigation regime. We then analyzed the differences between AWD and CF irrigation practices in transcriptomic profiles for flag leaves. Genes were found to be differentially expressed in photosynthesis related pathways namely, Chl biosynthesis, photosynthesis‐antenna proteins pathway, photosynthesis process, and ABA signal transduction pathway. The study provides important information on the morphological adaptations observed in the flag leaves in response to AWD irrigation, which will act as a basic framework to conduct molecular studies for improving rice cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain-negative, tyrosine-metabolizing, non-motile, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped marine bacterium, designated strain CC-PW-75T, was isolated from the estuarine water off Pintung, Taiwan. Strain CC-PW-75T formed a distinct phyletic lineage associated with Gemmobacter species, sharing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with G. megaterium CF17T and G. straminiformis CAM-8T (96.0% each) followed by G. aquatilis IFAM 1031T and G. nectariphilus AST4T (95.8% each). Analysis of the draft genome (3.76 Mbp) revealed the presence of genes encoding light-harvesting complexes, photosynthetic reaction centers and proteins involved in the metabolism of CO, CO2, HCO3‒ and H2S. However, bacteriochlorophyll a was not detected. Average nucleotide identity values between the genome sequence of CC-PW-75T and the related Gemmobacter species (n = 6) were estimated to be 72.8–76.3%. Polar lipid analysis revealed the presence of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified lipid in major amounts, and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid in minor amounts. C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c, C18:0 and C18:1ω7c 11-methyl were identified to be major fatty acids. The DNA G + C content was 66.2 mol% (draft genome sequence). Ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) was the sole respiratory quinone. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic evidence, CC-PW-75T is most likely a novel species of the genus Gemmobacter, affiliated to the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Gemmobacter aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-PW-75T (= JCM 19754T = BCRC 80759T). Also, we propose the reclassification of Cereibacter changlensis as Gemmobacter changlensis Chen et al. 2013 using the polyphasic data presented in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photosynthetic machinery of plants can acclimate to changes in light conditions by balancing light-harvesting between the two photosystems (PS). This acclimation response is induced by the change in the redox state of the plastoquinone pool, which triggers state transitions through activation of the STN7 kinase and subsequent phosphorylation of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) proteins. Phosphorylation of LHCII results in its association with PSI (state 2), whereas dephosphorylation restores energy allocation to PSII (state 1). In addition to state transition regulation by phosphorylation, we have recently discovered that plants lacking the chloroplast acetyltransferase NSI are also locked in state 1, even though they possess normal LHCII phosphorylation. This defect may result from decreased lysine acetylation of several chloroplast proteins. Here, we compared the composition of wild type (wt), stn7 and nsi thylakoid protein complexes involved in state transitions separated by Blue Native gel electrophoresis. Protein complex composition and relative protein abundances were determined by LC–MS/MS analyses using iBAQ quantification. We show that despite obvious mechanistic differences leading to defects in state transitions, no major differences were detected in the composition of PSI and LHCII between the mutants. Moreover, both stn7 and nsi plants show retarded growth and decreased PSII capacity under fluctuating light as compared to wt, while the induction of non-photochemical quenching under fluctuating light was much lower in both nsi mutants than in stn7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional electronic spectra (2DES) provide unique ways to track the energy transfer dynamics in light-harvesting complexes. The interpretation of the peaks and structures found in experimentally recorded 2DES is often not straightforward, since several processes are imaged simultaneously. The choice of specific pulse polarization sequences helps to disentangle the sometimes convoluted spectra, but brings along other disturbances. We show by detailed theoretical calculations how 2DES of the Fenna–Matthews–Olson complex are affected by rotational and conformational disorder of the chromophores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The biological conversion of light energy into chemical energy is performed by a flexible photosynthetic machinery located in the thylakoid membranes. Photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII) are the two complexes able to harvest light. PSI is the last complex of the electron transport chain and is composed of multiple subunits: the proteins building the catalytic core complex that are well conserved between oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, and, in green organisms, the membrane light‐harvesting complexes (Lhc) necessary to increase light absorption. In plants, four Lhca proteins (Lhca1–4) make up the antenna system of PSI, which can be further extended to optimize photosynthesis by reversible binding of LHCII, the main antenna complex of photosystem II. Here, we used biochemistry and electron microscopy in Arabidopsis to reveal a previously unknown supercomplex of PSI with LHCII that contains an additional Lhca1–a4 dimer bound on the PsaB–PsaI–PsaH side of the complex. This finding contradicts recent structural studies suggesting that the presence of an Lhca dimer at this position is an exclusive feature of algal PSI. We discuss the features of the additional Lhca dimer in the large plant PSI–LHCII supercomplex and the differences with the algal PSI. Our work provides further insights into the intricate structural plasticity of photosystems. Significance Statement: Photosystems I and II are essential for converting light into chemical energy and undergo structural reorganization to optimize photosynthesis in fluctuating environmental conditions. Here we isolate and characterize a plant Photosystem I–LHCI–LHCII supercomplex that contains an additional LHCI dimer bound on the PsaB–PsaI–PsaH side of the complex, a feature previously thought to be specific to algae. Our work provides important insights into the structural plasticity of this large pigment–protein supercomplex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) are diversified among photosynthetic organisms, and the structure of the photosystem I-LHC (PSI-LHCI) supercomplex has been shown to be variable depending on the species of organisms. However, the structural and evolutionary correlations of red-lineage LHCs are unknown. Here, we determined a 1.92-Å resolution cryoelectron microscopic structure of a PSI-LHCI supercomplex isolated from the red alga Cyanidium caldarium RK-1 (NIES-2137), which is an important taxon in the Cyanidiophyceae. We subsequently investigated the correlations of PSI-LHCIs from different organisms through structural comparisons and phylogenetic analysis. The PSI-LHCI structure obtained shows five LHCI subunits surrounding a PSI-monomer core. The five LHCIs are composed of two Lhcr1s, two Lhcr2s, and one Lhcr3. Phylogenetic analysis of LHCs bound to PSI in the red-lineage algae showed clear orthology of LHCs between C. caldarium and Cyanidioschyzon merolae , whereas no orthologous relationships were found between C. caldarium Lhcr1-3 and LHCs in other red-lineage PSI-LHCI structures. These findings provide evolutionary insights into conservation and diversity of red-lineage LHCs associated with PSI., Competing Interests: Competing interests statement:The authors declare no competing interest.

Roseiflexus castenholzii is a gram-negative filamentous phototrophic bacterium that carries out anoxygenic photosynthesis through a cyclic electron transport chain (ETC). The ETC is composed of a reaction center (RC)-light-harvesting (LH) complex (rcRC-LH); an alternative complex III (rcACIII), which functionally replaces the cytochrome bc 1 /b 6 f complex; and the periplasmic electron acceptor auracyanin (rcAc). Although compositionally and structurally different from the bc 1 /b 6 f complex, rcACIII plays similar essential roles in oxidizing menaquinol and transferring electrons to the rcAc. However, rcACIII-mediated electron transfer (which includes both an intraprotein route and a downstream route) has not been clearly elucidated, nor have the details of cyclic ETC. Here, we identify a previously unknown monoheme cytochrome c (cyt c 551 ) as a novel periplasmic electron acceptor of rcACIII. It reduces the light-excited rcRC-LH to complete a cyclic ETC. We also reveal the molecular mechanisms involved in the ETC using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), spectroelectrochemistry, and enzymatic and structural analyses. We find that electrons released from rcACIII-oxidized menaquinol are transferred to two alternative periplasmic electron acceptors (rcAc and cyt c 551 ), which eventually reduce the rcRC to form the complete cyclic ETC. This work serves as a foundation for further studies of ACIII-mediated electron transfer in anoxygenic photosynthesis and broadens our understanding of the diversity and molecular evolution of prokaryotic ETCs., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Oxygenic photosynthesis has historically been considered limited to be driven by the wavelengths of visible light. However, in the last few decades, various adaptations have been discovered that allow algae, cyanobacteria, and even plants to utilize longer wavelength light in the far-red spectral range. These adaptations provide distinct advantages to the species possessing them, allowing the effective utilization of shade light under highly filtered light environments. In prokaryotes, these adaptations include the production of far-red-absorbing chlorophylls d and f and the remodeling of phycobilisome antennas and reaction centers. Eukaryotes express specialized light-harvesting pigment–protein complexes that use interactions between pigments and their protein environment to spectrally tune the absorption of chlorophyll a. If these adaptations could be applied to crop plants, a potentially significant increase in photon utilization in lower shaded leaves could be realized, improving crop yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosystem II (PSII) in the thylakoid membranes of plants, algae, and cyanobacteria catalyzes light-induced oxidation of water by which light energy is converted to chemical energy and molecular oxygen is produced. In higher plants and most eukaryotic algae, the PSII core is surrounded by variable numbers of light-harvesting antenna complex II (LHCII), forming a PSII-LHCII supercomplex. In order to harvest energy efficiently at low-light-intensity conditions under water, a complete PSII-LHCII supercomplex (C2S2M2N2) of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr) contains more antenna subunits and pigments than the dominant PSII-LHCII supercomplex (C2S2M2) of plants. The detailed structure and energy transfer pathway of the Cr-PSII-LHCII remain unknown. Here we report a cryoelectron microscopy structure of a complete, C2S2M2N2-type PSII-LHCII supercomplex from C. reinhardtii at 3.37-Å resolution. The results show that the Cr-C2S2M2N2 supercomplex is organized as a dimer, with 3 LHCII trimers, 1 CP26, and 1 CP29 peripheral antenna subunits surrounding each PSII core. The N-LHCII trimer partially occupies the position of CP24, which is present in the higher-plant PSII-LHCII but absent in the green alga. The M trimer is rotated relative to the corresponding M trimer in plant PSII-LHCII. In addition, some unique features were found in the green algal PSII core. The arrangement of a huge number of pigments allowed us to deduce possible energy transfer pathways from the peripheral antennae to the PSII core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]