Gating and ion selectivity of Channelrhodopsins are critical for photo-activated orientation of Chlamydomonas as shown by in vivo point mutation

Abstract

Channelrhodopsin photoreceptors are responsible for phototaxis in C. reinhardtii. Here, authors introduce point mutations in the channel which modify photocycle kinetics and ion selectivity, resulting in a deeper understanding of phototaxis in low light conditions.