The Role of Chlamydomonas Ferredoxins in Hydrogen Production and Other Related Metabolic Functions

Abstract

Ferredoxins are proteins that mediate electron transfer in a number of biological reactions, providing reductant (or oxidant) to a variety of metabolic pathways. In Chlamydomonas, 13 ferredoxin gene homologs have been identified, and their role in algal metabolism is being investigated. We describe the current state of the research related to Chlamydomonas ferredoxins FDX1, FDX2, and FDX5, particularly with respect to pathways involved in H2 production. Furthermore, we provide a global understanding of the possible role(s) of all Chlamydomonas ferredoxins, based on comparison with ferredoxins from other organisms. The information presented in this review is expected to provide new directions specifically towards H2-related ferredoxin research in photosynthetic organisms in general.