Here we show that proteo-opsin can be expressed up to levels of 105 molecules per cell in membranes of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803.
The heterologously expressed protein is equally distributed (based on amount of protein) over thylakoid- and cytoplasmic membranes.
Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 is able to synthesize all-trans retinal and generate proteorhodopsin without requiring to add external retinal.
Proteorhodopsin expressed in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 can make a measurable contribution to light-energy conversion in this cyanobacterium.