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The Photo-halosynthesis Concept

The hypothesis of photo-halosynthesis describes salt-mediated

mechanisms by which light energy may be stored/utilized by some

plants (particularly crinohalophytes) that are capable of conducting salt

to their surfaces (Biel and Yensen 2004a,b).

Due to light reflection and scattering, surface salt reduces the

amount of short-wave light radiation passing into the leaf, thus

microscopic salt crystals on the shoot surface can play a protective role

against UV light. At the same time it is known that short-wave light,

particularly UV-В and UV-C (and potentially wavelengths up to 300

nm), will energize electrons from donor metallic salts.

We speculate that sodium, calcium, magnesium and potential

other metallic salts located within the epidermis can both protect the

plant tissues against negative UV light and at the same time may

facilitate the capture of additional energy for the plant. This energy

could result from: 1) electrons passing to the electron transport chain of

mitochondria; 2) the attraction of salt ions through inverse-cation

pumps); and/or 3) evapotranspirationally converted solar energy to

hydrostatic potential (Biel and Yensen 2004a,b; Yensen and Biel

2004). This energy might be used, in part, to refund energy expended

to establish and/or maintain the above systems.

The Potential of Photo-halosynthesis in Medicine

In the regions with high levels of solar irradiation, light

scattering barriers are important to protect humans and other animals

against extensive light. There are various light-scattering structures

known to cover organisms (e.g. pilosis, hair, protrusions). It is also

known that solar light protects against environmental factors, destroys

pathogens, and helps cure illnesses. In addition, we suggest that the

salt crystals and ions may be medically beneficial for UV protection

and/or conversion. In contrast to the negative aspects often associated

with UV light (e.g. cancer risk), the appropriate use of UV light may be

beneficial (vitamin D synthesis, for example). Limited sunbathing has

the potential to be very positive for total health, particularly during the

times of day with a greater component of red light, such as mornings

and evenings. The positive role of red light on biological tissues,

including the human body, was demonstrated recently (Frokopev

2004).

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