Chinese scientists explain energy transfer mechanism in chloroplasts and its evolution
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 16-Jun-2025 16:09 ET (16-Jun-2025 20:09 GMT/UTC)
A recent study by Chinese scientists has revealed the intricate molecular machinery driving energy exchange within chloroplasts, shedding light on a key event in the evolution of plant life. Led by FAN Minrui from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research elucidates the structure and function of the ATP/ADP translocator—a crucial member of the nucleotide transporter (NTT) family of proteins—which facilitates the transfer of energy across chloroplast membranes.
A groundbreaking study Led by Dr. DENG Hongping of the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has shed new light on the mysterious origins of free-floating planetary-mass objects—celestial bodies with masses between stars and planets.