photosyntesoivia

Photosyntesoivia is a term used in speculative biology to denote a proposed alternative photosynthetic mechanism. It envisions a single, broadened reaction center and a novel pigment set that enables efficient light capture and energy conversion beyond conventional oxygenic photosynthesis. Proponents suggest that photosyntesoivia could support carbon fixation under unusual light conditions, such as low intensity or spectra shifted toward the near-infrared, and in environments with extreme temperatures.

In the speculative models, the photosystem absorbs energy across a wide spectral range and channels it to a core electron acceptor through a fast, cyclic transport. A separate but linked carbon fixation module would assimilate CO2 via a pathway distinct from the Calvin cycle, possibly using alternative intermediates. The pigment class, sometimes called ovia pigments, would provide broad absorption and stability under stress.

Evidence for photosyntesoivia is controversial. Some studies have highlighted unusual spectroscopic signals or gene clusters compatible with photosynthetic functions, but results remain unconfirmed and may reflect experimental artifacts or alternative explanations. The idea is discussed primarily in theoretical, propositional, or fiction-adjacent literature rather than as established biology.

If validated, photosyntesoivia would expand the known diversity of photosynthetic strategies and could inform bioengineering efforts to harvest light in challenging environments.