Green algae possess two nearly identical hydrogen-producing enzymes. One has been studied for decades, while the other has received little attention - until recently.

Hydrogen-producing enzymes called hydrogenases could be a source of renewable energy. A previously little-studied hydrogenase from the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has now been characterized in more detail by the RUB Photobiotechnology research group. Green algae possess two almost identically structured hydrogenases. Although they differ in only one amino acid, they have different properties, the Bochum team found. The results describe the researchers led by Dr. Vera Engelbrecht and Prof. Dr. Thomas Happe in the December 16, 2020, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.