Fig. 8.

Strategies to maximize the efficiency of CBC operation in fluctuating irradiance. Important features of regulation include (i) effective post-translational and other regulation of CBC enzymes to minimize futile cycles in low irradiance but allow rapid activation of these enzymes to support rapid CBC flux when irradiance increases (blue; for more details, see text and Fig. 6); and (ii) effective inhibition of net end-product synthesis to maintain CBC metabolite levels at a basal level that allows quick re-establishment of CBC flux when irradiance increases (red; for mechanistic details, see text and Fig. 7). Abbreviations are as in Figs 1 and 7.