Photoinhibition

Photoinhibition is a phenomenon that occurs when the rate of photosynthesis is reduced due to excessive light intensity. It is a natural protective mechanism that plants and other photosynthetic organisms use to prevent damage to their photosynthetic apparatus.

Overview

Photoinhibition is a process that can occur in any organism that performs photosynthesis, including plants, algae, and certain types of bacteria. It is a response to excessive light intensity, which can damage the photosynthetic apparatus and reduce the organism's ability to perform photosynthesis.

The primary site of damage during photoinhibition is the photosystem II (PSII) complex, a group of proteins in the thylakoid membrane that play a crucial role in photosynthesis. When light intensity is too high, the PSII complex can become damaged faster than it can be repaired, leading to a reduction in photosynthetic efficiency.

Mechanism

The mechanism of photoinhibition involves several steps. First, excessive light intensity causes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage the PSII complex. This damage can be repaired by the organism, but if the light intensity remains too high, the rate of damage can exceed the rate of repair.

In addition to damaging the PSII complex, ROS can also inhibit the electron transport chain, a series of reactions that transfer electrons from water to NADP+ during photosynthesis. This can further reduce the organism's photosynthetic efficiency.

Role in Plant Physiology

Despite its negative effects on photosynthesis, photoinhibition plays an important role in plant physiology. It is a protective mechanism that prevents damage to the photosynthetic apparatus during periods of excessive light intensity. By reducing the rate of photosynthesis, photoinhibition can help to prevent the production of harmful ROS.

In addition, photoinhibition can also help to regulate the distribution of light energy within a plant. For example, it can help to ensure that all leaves receive an equal amount of light, regardless of their position on the plant.

See Also

• Photosynthesis
• Photosystem II
• Reactive oxygen species
• Electron transport chain