Project description
Exploring light-dependent reactions that maximise phytoplankton photosynthesis
Photosynthesis, an important biological process on Earth, has permitted the colonisation of land and sea by plants and phytoplankton, respectively. Research is now focused on elucidating this process in phytoplankton. From an energy point of view, a microalga is a ‘vehicle’ containing mitochondria – a combustion engine using carbon to produce energy and CO2, and chloroplast – a solar panel using light to produce energy and O2. Using optogenetic approaches and cellular/subcellular imaging, the EU-funded ChloroMito project will investigate the hypothesis that the photosynthetic efficiency of oceanic microalgae is due to close coupling between their solar panel and their combustion engine. Research will shed more insight on how subcellular energy interactions optimise photosynthesis in marine phytoplankton.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
Host institution
75794 Paris
France
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Beneficiaries (2)
75794 Paris
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
75007 Paris Cedex 07
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