Scientists have achieved a fascinating breakthrough by transplanting chloroplasts from algae into hamster cells, allowing them to photosynthesize and produce energy for up to two days. This experiment, recently published in Proceedings of the Japan Academy, Series B, could open new doors in biotechnology and cellular engineering.

Features of a chloroplast

Researchers from the University of Tokyo sought to replicate the mechanism in mammalian cells after being inspired by sacoglossan sea slugs, which naturally use chloroplasts from their algae diet to produce energy. The scientists used robust chloroplasts from red algae, which flourish in harsh conditions, to successfully transplant chloroplasts into fungal cells, although earlier attempts to do so quickly destroyed the cells.

After carefully separating the chloroplasts, the researchers changed the growth media to allow the hamster ovary cells to naturally absorb the organelles rather than putting them in using force. After entering, the chloroplasts remained structurally sound and carried out electron transport, which is an essential part of photosynthesis, for 48 hours before breaking down.

There are still difficulties in spite of this progress. Animal cells lack the genes necessary to support chloroplasts long term, and thus depend on protein assistance to function. By inserting genes linked to photosynthesis into animal cells, researchers hope to fix this issue and possibly extend the survival and utility of the cells.

Looking ahead, these findings could lead to groundbreaking applications such as photosynthetic materials that capture carbon dioxide or boost oxygen production in lab-grown tissues. However, as it would require an unfeasible quantity of surface area covered in chloroplasts, the idea of solar-powered humans is still unattainable.

In our AP Biology class, we have learned about the endosymbiotic theory, which explains how organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from symbiotic relationships between primitive cells. According to this theory, a larger host cell engulfed smaller prokaryotic cells capable of energy production, and instead of digesting them, they formed a mutually beneficial relationship. Over time, these engulfed cells evolved into organelles, such as mitochondria for ATP production and chloroplasts for photosynthesis in plant cells. This theory is supported by evidence such as the presence of their own DNA and double membranes.

Trad Chloroplast primary endosymbiosis

 

The recent experiment connects to the endosymbiotic theory by demonstrating how animal cells can temporarily host chloroplasts and perform photosynthesis. It provides a modern-day parallel to the evolutionary process that occurred billions of years ago, suggesting that under the right conditions, symbiotic relationships could potentially be engineered in the lab. This research could deepen our understanding of cellular evolution and pave the way for innovative applications in synthetic biology.

Personally, I find this research incredibly exciting because it highlights how science can push the boundaries of what’s possible. Could we one day engineer cells to create their own energy from sunlight? What other possibilities might arise from blending plant and animal biology? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment!

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