Photosynthetic Energy Conversion in Cyanobacteria - the Phycobilisomes Test Case

The first step in photosynthesis is energy capture (absorption) by antenna systems and its transmission (energy transfer) to the photosystems. While photosystem structure and function are nearly identical among photosynthetic organisms, antenna systems vary considerably. Among them, phycobilisomes pose some very interesting questions. To put it plainly, at first sight they do not look like a very good antenna system. However, I will try and convince you in my talk that they actually use some very clever design principles. These make them very interesting nano-scale energy transducing devices that provide exceptional robustness and flexibility.

Host: Karl Forchhammer

Venue:

Seminar Room 9A23

E-Bau

Auf der Morgenstelle 28

72076 Tübingen