Abstract
Carotenoids in photosynthetic light-harvesting proteins can both harvest light energy and act as a protective barrier depending on light intensity. This is an emergent behavior where to same pigment can perform both functions depending on a complex network of interactions with other pigments. The FCP photosynthetic algae is a heavily experimentally-probed example but so far there is no general model of this dual behavior. In this project, using theoretical physics, quantum chemistry and bio-molecular simulation, we will develop a general theory of how a single protein can be both an ultra-efficient solar panel and an effective sun-screen.
References
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