In this article we will discuss about the fixation or assimilation of carbon dioxide in microorganisms. Although most microorganisms can fix or assimilate carbon dioxide (CO2), only autotrophic ones use CO2 as their sole or principal carbon source. The reduction or assimilation of CO2 takes place at the expense of much energy. Usually autotrophic microorganisms obtain the required energy by [...]
In this article we will discuss about the functions of reaction centre chlorophylls. In eukaryotic microorganisms, there are chloroplasts (special intracellular/organelles) that function as photosynthetic apparatus. The chlorophyll pigments are attached to lamellar (sheet-like) membrane structures of the chloroplast called thylakoids. The stacks of thylakoids are called grana. Contrary to it, the chloroplasts are absent in prokaryotic microorganisms and the [...]
In this article we will discuss about the process of oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis in bacteria. Oxygenic Photosynthesis in Bacteria: Light Reaction in Cyanobacteria: In cyanobacteria (also in all phototrophic eukaryotes), there are two distinct but interconnected photosystems: photosystem I and photosystem II (Fig. 25.4). Photosystem I absorbs longer wavelength light (far-red light) and funnels its energy to a special [...]