In a statement issued by the researchers, the researchers said that similar bacteria could someday help humanity migrate to Mars and expand our research on life on other planets.
Organisms known as cyanobacteria absorb sunlight to release energy and release oxygen. But before that, researchers believe that these bacteria can only absorb specific higher-energy light.
The new study shows that at least one type of cyanobacteria, called the phylum A. chromogenis, lives in some of the most extreme environments in the world and can absorb redder (lower energy) light, making it It thrives in a dark environment, such as the depths of hot springs.
Jennifer Morton, an Australian National University (ANU) researcher who participated in the study, said in a statement: 'This research redefines the minimum energy needed for photosynthesis.
This type of photosynthesis is likely to occur under a rock in your garden. '(In fact, a related species was even found living in rocks in the desert.)
By studying the physical mechanisms behind the absorptive capacity of these organisms, researchers are learning more about the workings of photosynthesis and thus increasing the possibility of using oxygen-like organisms in places like Mars to generate oxygen.
Elmars Krausz, an Australian National University professor who participated in the study, said in a statement, 'This may sound like science fiction, but the global space agencies and private companies are actively trying not to far The future will turn it into reality.
In theory, photosynthesis of these organisms can be used to create air for humans to breathe on Mars.
Kruze also stated that 'adapting to low-light organisms, such as the cyanobacteria we have been studying, can grow under rocks and may survive in the harsh environment of Mars.'
The new study, published yesterday in the journal Science, showed that researchers initially believed that the specific chlorophyll pigment known as chlorophyll f helps capture light, but it cannot be directly involved in converting it into energy.
However, this study shows that, in fact, chlorophyll f does participate in energy conversion and allows organisms to absorb energy from longer wavelength light observed than ever before.
Morton said: 'Chlorophyll suitable for absorbing visible light is very important for the photosynthesis of most plants, but our research identified so-called 'red' chlorophyll as a key component of photosynthesis in low light conditions.'
Needless to say, it can play a key role in the search for extraterrestrial life. She said, 'Looking for fluorescent labels from these pigments can help to discover extraterrestrial life. ' Knowing that such organisms exist on Earth not only broadened our search for Outside biology, but also gives advice on what to look for.
