Plant Science

A new study has revealed a quantum switching mechanism in Light-harvesting complex II (LHCII), crucial for efficient photosynthesis. This discovery, achieved through advanced cryo-EM and theoretical calculations, confirms LHCII’s dynamic role in regulating energy transfer in plants. Credit: SciTechDaily.com Photosynthesis is a vital process enabling plants to transform carbon dioxide into organic compounds using sunlight. The Light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) consists of pigment molecules attached to proteins. It…

A study by the University of Göttingen on Mesotaenium endlicherianum, an alga closely related to land plants, revealed crucial genetic insights. By analyzing the alga’s response to various environmental conditions, researchers uncovered shared genetic mechanisms between algae and land plants, deepening understanding of plant evolution and resilience. A research team from Göttingen University leads an investigation into 10 billion RNA snippets to identify “hub genes.” The majority of the Earth’s land surface is adorned…

Cranberries, domesticated about 200 years ago in the U.S., have unique cultivation and genetic traits. They are a Thanksgiving staple due to their harvest season aligning with the holiday. Wisconsin leads in production, and the fruit is also significant in Canada. Cranberries have expanded into various products but remain a holiday favorite.Cranberries, a recent addition to agriculture, were domesticated around 200 years ago in the U.S.Cranberries are a staple in U.S. households at Thanksgiving – but how did this bog…

New research on cycads, ancient plants from the Mesozoic Era, reveals that their survival into the modern era can be attributed to a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This study provides insights into the ecological evolution of cycads and their adaptation to past climate changes.Cycads, ancient plants once prevalent during the Mesozoic Era, have mostly gone extinct, with a few species surviving in tropical and subtropical areas. Researchers have discovered that these surviving cycads relied on…