What does "Light-harvesting Complexes" mean?
Table of Contents
Light-harvesting complexes are groups of proteins and pigments found in photosynthetic organisms, like plants and algae. Their main job is to capture sunlight and pass the energy to other proteins that help in making food.
Structure and Function
These complexes use pigments, like chlorophyll, which absorb light at different wavelengths. By changing their structure, these complexes can maximize the amount of light they gather, including far-red light that is less useful for many plants.
Energy Transfer
Once the sunlight is captured, the energy needs to be moved to the reaction centers where it is converted into chemical energy. This energy transfer happens quickly and efficiently, thanks to the unique arrangement of proteins and pigments in the complexes.
Environment's Role
The environment around these complexes can change how they work. When they are inside a cell membrane, they can behave differently than when they are isolated in a lab. The fats, or lipids, in the membrane can help improve the speed at which energy is transferred between pigments.
Adaptations in Algae
Some types of algae have evolved special features in their light-harvesting complexes to capture more light. This ability allows them to thrive in low-light conditions or environments with far-red light, making them unique in the way they gather energy.