Let there be light: an investigation of the photoacclimation capacity of cryptophytes

Abstract

To explore the viability of using cryptophytes as inspiration for solar cell technology, the photoacclimation capacity of these organisms was investigated. Chroomonas mesostigmata, Hemiselmis pacifica, and Proteomonas sulcata were grown under different filtered wavelengths of light and their phycobiliproteins were assessed using steady state and time-resolved spectroscopy to determine the cells’ responses. Selected cell lines also underwent attempted random mutagenesis in an effort to encourage further altered gene expression. Ultimately the cryptophytes were found to have very robust photosynthetic machinery that is largely resistant to change. This experimentation also revealed the need for an altered methodology if the subtle changes in cells are to be detected.