Researchers demonstrate photosynthesis in mitochondria, without the green cholorophyll found in leaves. #science

They are being called ‘solar-powered cells’. Mitochondria were genetically engineered to convert light energy into chemical energy.

Plants are known to do this naturally using sunlight and a green colour pigment found in leaves, called chlorophyll. Animals, on the other hand, use mitochondria to convert glucose obtained from food into energy. This energy is stored in the cell as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules.

In the latest research study conducted in a model organism, a roundworm named C elegans, scientists genetically engineered its mitochondria to include light-activated proton pumps on its membrane.

When exposed to light, the proton pumps would move charged ions across the membrane, using the energy from the light to charge the mitochondria.

This process increased membrane potential and energy production and also resulted in a 30–40 percent increase in the lifespan of the roundworms.

It would be interesting to see if this process can be replicated in human cells. Check out the full research papers at http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43587-022-00340-7 and https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.201949113 and share this post with your friends and colleagues.

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