Limiting factors in the operation of photosystems I and II in cyanobacteria

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are important targets for biotechnological applications due to their ability to grow in a wide variety of environments, rapid growth rates, and tractable genetic systems. They and their bioproducts can be used as bioplastics, biofertilizers, and in carbon capture and produce important secondary metabolites that can be used as pharmaceuticals. However, the photosynthetic process in cyanobacteria can be limited by a wide variety of environmental factors such as light intensity and wavelength, exposure to UV light, nutrient limitation, temperature, and salinity. Carefully considering these limitations, modifying the environment, and/or selecting cyanobacterial species will allow cyanobacteria to be used in biotechnological applications.

FIGURE 1

Components of photosynthesis and simplified electron transport in oxygenic photosynthesis. Multiple arrows from ferredoxin (Fd) indicate potential electron transfer to many reactions and processes. Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle; cyclic electron transfer (CET); ferredoxin (Fd); Fd‐NAD(P)H‐ oxidoreductase (FNR); oxygen‐evolving complex (OEC); NADH dehydrogenase‐like complex 1 (NDH‐1): PBS, phycobilisome (PBS); plastoquinone (PQ); plastocyanin (PC).

FIGURE 2

Decision and action flow chat for use of cyanobacteria in biotechnological applications.