Light-to-energy conversion in many aquatic microbes more complex than was previously known, researchers discover

Plants convert light into a form of energy that they can use—a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—through photosynthesis. This is a complex process that also produces sugar, which the plant can use for energy later, and oxygen. Some bacteria that live in the light-exposed layers of water sources can also convert light to ATP, but the process they use is simpler and less efficient than photosynthesis. Nonetheless, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology researchers now find this process isn't as straightforward and limited as was previously thought.