Previously unrecognized diversity of far-red light-using terrestrial green algae and cyanobacteria.

ABSTRACT: Oxygenic photosynthesis in cyanobacteria, algae, and plants typically relies on visible light, but some lineages can utilize far-red light (FRL, wavelength = 700-800 nm). While FRL-utilizing cyanobacteria are well-studied, little is known about FRL-utilizing algae. Here, we isolated ten algal and three cyanobacterial strains capable of growing under FRL from soil, brick surface, and bark in a Taiwan urban park. Ten isolates belong to four green algal genera not previously reported to use FRL. These algae showed distinct far-red absorption and enhanced long-wavelength fluorescence compared to a model green alga. Unlike cyanobacteria producing chlorophylls d and f, these algae contain only chlorophylls a or b, suggesting red-shifted chlorophyll a in their l

SUBMITTER: Chen PY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12478107 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature