Frustule Photonics and Light Harvesting Strategies in Diatoms

Chapter 12 Frustule Photonics and Light Harvesting Strategies in Diatoms Johannes W. Goessling, Johannes W. Goessling Johannesgoessling@gmail.com International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, PortugalSearch for more papers by this authorSu Yanyan, Su Yanyan Carlsberg Research Laboratory, Copenhagen, DenmarkSearch for more papers by this authorMichael Kühl, Michael Kühl Marine Biology Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Helsingør, Denmark University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorMarianne Ellegaard, Marianne Ellegaard University College Copenhagen, Campus Carlsberg, København V., DenmarkSearch for more papers by this author Johannes W. Goessling, Johannes W. Goessling Johannesgoessling@gmail.com International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, PortugalSearch for more papers by this authorSu Yanyan, Su Yanyan Carlsberg Research Laboratory, Copenhagen, DenmarkSearch for more papers by this authorMichael Kühl, Michael Kühl Marine Biology Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Helsingør, Denmark University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorMarianne Ellegaard, Marianne Ellegaard University College Copenhagen, Campus Carlsberg, København V., DenmarkSearch for more papers by this author Book Editor(s):Vadim Annenkov, Vadim Annenkov Limnological Institute, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of SciencesSearch for more papers by this authorJoseph Seckback, Joseph Seckback The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelSearch for more papers by this authorRichard Gordon, Richard Gordon Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Panacea, FL, USA Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 29 October 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119488170.ch12 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Summary The diatoms, a unique class of microalgae, are enclosed in an extracellular, silica-based porous structure called the frustule. The frustule is denser than water and reduces cell buoyancy, thus increasing the risk of sinking out of the sunlight illuminated zone. Yet, diatoms are an outstanding ecological group with respect to global abundance, species diversification, and photosynthetic efficiency. The potential adaptive role of the diatom frustule can be linked to its light modulating properties, which have been explored as templates or raw materials for potential industrial, mainly photonic application. The optical properties of diatom frustules have also led to speculations about potential photo-biological relevance. Two main functions have been proposed: the frustule 1) modulates photosynthetic light harvesting by wave-diffraction or forward scattering via its nano-scale lattice structure and 2) reduces exposure to harmful radiation, i.e., by attenuation of ultraviolet radiation or mitigation of high light intensities. This chapter explores the unique photobiology of diatoms summarizing pigmentation and biochemical and structural adaptation of photosynthesis, including motility of chloroplasts and entire cells. We also discuss frustule photonics in relation to cellular light modulation for efficient light harvesting and highlight their potential implications for niche differentiation under various light regimes in the different habitats of diatoms. Diatom Morphogenesis RelatedInformation