Co-Authors:
Adam, Z., The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
Charuvi, D., The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100 Rehovot, Israel, Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
Tsabari, O., Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
Knopf, R.R., The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
Reich, Z., Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
Abstract:
Aerobic life on Earth depends on oxygenic photosynthesis. This fundamentally important process is carried out within an elaborate membranous system, called the thylakoid network. In angiosperms, thylakoid networks are constructed almost from scratch by an intricate, light-dependent process in which lipids, proteins, and small organic molecules are assembled into morphologically and functionally differentiated, three-dimensional lamellar structures. In this review, we summarize the major events that occur during this complex, largely elusive process, concentrating on those that are directly involved in network formation and potentiation and highlighting gaps in our knowledge, which, as hinted by the title, are substantial. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.