"How Algae Mastered Sunlight Absorption Without Thermal Damage"

Researchers discovered how Algae like Codium fragile efficiently absorb sunlight without damaging chlorophyll, preventing harmful triplet state formation during photosynthesis.

• Codium fragile, a type of green algae, employs specialized carotenoid pigments to safeguard chlorophyll from excessive light, preventing the formation of reactive molecules in the triplet state.
• The study reveals that carotenoids in algae are critical for managing energy from sunlight, enhancing photosynthesis while minimizing cellular damage in aquatic environments like the ocean.
• Understanding how algae avoid triplet state damage could lead to advancements in artificial photosynthesis technologies, potentially improving energy production and environmental sustainability.