Oral Presentation 18th International Congress on Photobiology 2024

Balancing Photon Harvesting Between Photosystems   (#88)

Roberta Croce 1
  1. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS, Netherlands

Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII) are responsible for the absorption of light energy and its conversion into chemical energy, yet they absorb different wavelengths of light. Moreover, the light spectrum is not the same everywhere and it also changes throughout the day. Since PSII and PSI work in series, maintaining an excitation balance between them is essential for optimal photosynthetic efficiency and avoiding photodamage. How do photosynthetic organisms achieve this?

In this presentation, I will discuss the mechanisms by which the photosynthetic apparatus of algae, plants, and cyanobacteria adapts to changes in light color.

Understanding these adaptive responses provides insights into the resilience and efficiency of photosynthesis under variable light conditions, which has implications for improving crop productivity and understanding plant responses to climate change.