Regulation of bacterial photosynthesis genes by oxygen and light

Most bacteria have the capability to adapt to changes in their environment. Facultatively phototrophic bacteria like Rhodobacter can switch from aerob ic respiration to anoxygenic photosynthesis in the absence of oxygen. The f ormation of the photosynthetic apparatus is primarily regulated by oxygen t ension. The amount of photosynthetic complexes is influenced by the light i ntensity in anaerobic cultures. This review focuses on the molecular mechan isms involved in the regulation of Rhodobacter photosynthesis genes by oxyg en and light. (C) 1999 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Pu blished by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.