Chlorophyll f production in two new subaerial cyanobacteria of the family Oculatellaceae

Researchers have discovered that two newly identified cyanobacteria, Elainella chongqingensis and Pegethrix sichuanica, produce chlorophyll f (Chl f) under far-red light (FRL), marking the first report of this phenomenon in the family Oculatellaceae. These strains were isolated from Chongqing city and Mount Emei Scenic Area, respectively, and classified using morphological analysis and phylogenetic studies. Under white light, both produce Chl a, but FRL induces additional synthesis of Chl f, with P. sichuanica exhibiting nearly half the typical Chl f content in cyanobacteria. The study also observed red-shifted phycobiliproteins under FRL conditions, suggesting potential adaptations for low-light environments. This finding expands the diversity of Chl f-producing cyanobacteria and offers insights into its role in photosynthetic systems.

Shen, L.-Q., Zhang, Z.-C., Huang, L., Zhang, L.-D., Yu, G., Chen, M., Li, R., & Qiu, B.-S. (2023). Chlorophyll f production in two new subaerial cyanobacteria of the family Oculatellaceae. Journal of Phycology, 59(2), 370–382. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpy.13314