Photosynthetic Adaptation and Photoprotection in Plants

Dear Colleagues,

Phototrophic organisms such as plants; algae; lichens; Cyanobacteria; and members of the phyla Proteobacteria, Chlorobiota, Chloroflexota, and Heliobacteria occur in continuously changing environments and are exposed to detrimental conditions which affect their growth and development. To cope with abiotic and biotic stresses, these organisms should be able to respond quickly to these stresses and activate mechanisms to adapt and protect their photosynthetic machinery. To comprehend how phototrophic organisms cope with different types of stress, it is important to understand the underlying physiological, biochemical–biophysical, and molecular responses. During the last few decades, multiple studies have highlighted these issues; however, the fundamental mechanisms operating in resistance and mitigation strategies remain to be fully elucidated.

The aim of this Special Issue is to focus on the fundamental mechanisms involved in photosynthetic adaptation and photoprotection in phototrophic organisms, which enable them to cope with environmental stresses. From a biophysical standpoint, detailed knowledge of the structure of pigment–protein complexes and of the pigments, such as chlorophyll, carotenoid, and phycobilin, and their mutual interactions, is essential to understand the mechanisms involved in the dissipation of excess energy, such as non-photochemical quenching. Moreover, the components of photosynthetic electron transport (linear and cyclic), of photorespiration, and of the scavenging of excess ROS as defense mechanisms should be highlighted.

Dr. Roland Valcke
Guest Editor

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