Core Viewpoint - The research published in Science reveals the three-dimensional structure of the PSI-FCPI supercomplex from Emiliania huxleyi, highlighting its unique adaptation strategies to marine light environments and its significance in the study of evolutionary mechanisms in photosynthetic organisms [2][3]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team successfully purified and analyzed the PSI-FCPI supercomplex, providing insights into how coccolithophores adapt their photosystems to varying light conditions in the ocean [3][8]. - The PSI-FCPI supercomplex consists of 12 core PSI subunits, a specific linker protein, and 38 peripheral antenna proteins, making it the largest known PSI-antenna supercomplex [9]. - The structural analysis revealed a complex pigment network that includes 411 chlorophyll a, 152 chlorophyll c, and 256 carotenoids, which enhances the efficiency of light capture and energy transfer [9][12]. Group 2: Efficiency and Performance - The overall excitation capture time of the Eh-PSI-FCPI supercomplex is measured at 96-120 picoseconds, indicating a quantum conversion efficiency of approximately 95% [10]. - The supercomplex's light capture cross-section is expanded by 4-5 times compared to terrestrial plants, yet it maintains a high quantum conversion efficiency, demonstrating its effectiveness in energy conversion [12].

Core Insights - Chinese scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the marine phytoplankton, specifically the diatom, optimizes its photosynthetic system to adapt to varying light conditions in the ocean [1] Group 1: Research Findings - The research team led by researchers Wang Wenda and Tian Lijin from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has revealed the unique strategy of diatoms in adapting their photosynthetic system structure at the atomic level [1] - The PSI-FCPI supercomplex of diatoms consists of 51 protein subunits and 819 pigment molecules, with a molecular weight of 1.66 megadaltons, significantly larger than known eukaryotic photosystem I complexes [2] - The light-harvesting efficiency of the diatom's PSI-FCPI exceeds 95%, comparable to that of terrestrial plants, indicating special protein assembly and energy transfer characteristics [2] Group 2: Structural Characteristics - The core of the diatom's photosystem I is surrounded by 38 phycobilin-chlorophyll a/c binding protein light-harvesting antennas, arranged in a modular fashion into eight radial bands, greatly expanding the light-capturing area [2] - The newly discovered light-harvesting antennas contain a high concentration of chlorophyll c and phycobilin types of carotenoids, effectively absorbing blue-green and green light wavelengths in deep water [4] Group 3: Ecological Importance - Diatoms, with their calcium carbonate cell walls, were major contributors to marine primary productivity during the Cretaceous period and play a crucial role in oceanic carbon deposition and the global carbon cycle [4]