Details of the Initiative
Photosynthesis is often associated with higher plants, but our laboratory focuses on Euglena, a microorganism that swims freely in water. Euglena possesses a function called phototaxis, which enables it to sense light and adjust its direction. If it is too dark, it swims toward the light; if it is too bright, it moves away. We have been working to uncover the mechanism behind bioconvection, a periodic pattern of convective flow generated by illumination from the bottom of the culture Euglena. It is becoming clear that this bioconvection occurs through the same mechanism as convection seen in miso soup and the Earth’s mantle. We are currently investigating how convection affects Euglena’s biological responses. By focusing on the light conditions that each cell experiences during bioconvection, we have artificially replicated the environment to measure photosynthesis. Surprisingly, photosynthesis stayed just as effective even when the timing of light exposure changed, as long as the total amount of light remained the same. Euglena is gaining attention as a potential new source of nutrition. Through our research, we aim to support more efficient food and energy production.
