FP24058Acclimation mechanism of microalgal photosynthetic apparatus under low atmospheric pressures – new astrobiological perspectives in a Mars-like atmosphere
This study reveals a new acclimation mechanism of microalgae in low atmospheric pressure. Experimental results and molecular dynamic simulations indicate that low atmospheric pressure reduces the density and enhances the fluidity of photosynthetic thylakoid membranes, leading to enhanced photochemical quenching. Particularly, extremely low pressure (<10 mbar) in a 100% CO2 atmosphere (Mars-like atmosphere) yields a photosynthetic efficiency comparable to that of Earth, shedding light on new astrobiological perspectives.