Pea Aphids May Convert Sunlight Into Energy, Like Photosynthesis
Greenish pigments in pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum, may capture sunlight for use in metabolism, according to new French-Israeli research.
These carotenoids produce different color morphs depending on environmental conditions. When it is cold, the aphids have high pigment levels and are green; they have intermediate levels and are orange in optimal conditions; white individuals appear in large populations with limited resources, and have almost no pigment.
Pea aphids are the only known animal to synthesize carotenoids with all other animals obtaining them via diet for immunity and some other functions.
But plants, some fungi, and some bacteria do make these pigments, and use them in photosynthesis.
The scientists studied the aphids’ energy levels in the form of ATP production. They found green ones make more ATP than white ones, and orange ones make more ATP in the light than in the dark.
“Our data suggests strongly that the environmentally guided synthesis of these compounds in aphids plays a role in absorption of sunlight and in electron transfer to mitochondrial protein complexes,” wrote the researchers in their study.
Furthermore, the pigment molecules lie in a layer down to 40 micrometers below the insect’s cuticle, which is an ideal position for trapping sunlight.
However, aphids get plenty of sugar in their diet and excrete any excess, making the scientists wonder why they would need to harvest sunlight for energy.
One possibility is that the pigment acts like a battery, for example when the insects are seeking a new plant to feed on.
The study was published in Nature’s Scientific Reports on Aug. 16. You can view it here.
The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EpochTimesSci & Youtube: www.youtube.com/EpochTimesSci
Please send any feedback to [email protected]
2012-10-15 09:22:09
Source: /n2/science/pea-aphids-may-convert-sunlight-into-energy-like-photosynthesis-282483.html
Source:
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,707,136,593 |
| Stories: | 8,447,288 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
