Phototrophs evolved light-harvesting systems optimized to capture photons efficiently in habitats rich in far-red radiation.

Some eukaryotic pigment-binding proteins can absorb far-red photons through low-energy chlorophyll states called red forms. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary diversity of long-wavelength–driven photosynthesis in eukaryotes, and describe the biophysical and structural determinants underlying the phenomenon. Finally, we discuss how these insights can be applied in biotechnology to engineer crop canopies with broadened light absorption and increased yield potential.