PerCP

PerCP, also known as Peridinin-Chlorophyll a Protein, is a complex light-harvesting protein found in dinoflagellates. These organisms are a major group of marine plankton, playing a significant role in oceanic ecosystems. PerCP acts as a crucial component in the photosynthetic machinery of dinoflagellates, efficiently capturing light energy across a broad spectrum, particularly in the green and yellow regions of the light spectrum, which are abundant in aquatic environments.

The complex consists of peridinin, a type of carotenoid pigment, and chlorophyll a, the primary photosynthetic pigment. Peridinin absorbs light energy and transfers it to chlorophyll a, which then initiates the process of photosynthesis. This arrangement allows dinoflagellates to thrive in environments where light penetration might be limited for organisms relying solely on chlorophyll a for light absorption. The structure and function of PerCP have been extensively studied to understand the intricate mechanisms of photosynthesis in marine algae and to explore potential applications in areas like bioenergy and photodynamic therapy. Its presence is a key characteristic that differentiates dinoflagellates from other photosynthetic organisms.