Proteorhodopsin phototrophy in the ocean

摘要: Proteorhodopsin, a retinal-containing integral membrane protein that functions as light-driven proton pump, was discovered in the genome of an uncultivated marine bacterium; however, prevalence, expression and genetic variability this native microbial populations remain unknown. Here we report photoactive proteorhodopsin is present oceanic surface waters. We also provide evidence extensive family globally distributed variants. The pigments comprising rhodopsin seem to be spectrally tuned different habitats--absorbing light at wavelengths accordance with available environment. Together, our data suggest proteorhodopsin-based phototrophy significant process.