Biophysics of Photosynthesis: From Molecules to the Field

Dear Colleagues,

Photosynthesis is a key driver of the biosphere powering the major biogeochemical cycles. At all levels of the organization—from molecular (photosynthetic pigments) to individual plant (plants and canopies) and ecosystem, up to the biosphere — sub-processes of photosynthesis are balanced to ensure efficient usage of light energy and available substrates (carbon dioxide and water) under diverse environmental conditions. These sub-processes include photophysical reactions in photosynthetic antennas (femtosecond timescale), intra- and inter-protein transfer of the electron (pico- to milliseconds), adjusting the sink-source relations in whole plant, water and gas exchange (minutes to hours) as well as changing leaf structure and re-forming the communities (on ontogenetic, seasonal and evolutionary timescales). Along with energy storage and carbon assimilation, photosynthesis features tight regulation and efficient protection of the photosynthetic apparatus from the damage by excessive light. Understanding the principles of organization of photosynthesis from molecular to biospheric level is essential not only for our fundamental knowledge of the biophysics of life, but also to knowledge-based prudent using of natural resources and for constructing artificial photosynthetic systems. The aim of this Topic Issue is to highlight the state-of-the-art ideas about the organization of photosynthesis at different levels of life. Relevant original research and review papers on diverse topics related to photosynthesis are welcome.

Dr. Vasily Ptushenko
Prof. Dr. Alexei Solovchenko
Topic Editors