Photosynthesis
Methodology, Morphology, Systematics, Biology and Ecology
V.S. Rama Das
ISBN 978-1-57808-343-5; 2004; 184 pages; US $ 72.80      Buy Now

The aim of this monograph is to highlight various mechanisms followed by plants to overcome the high light stress and photoinhibition, and also the plant responses to low light levels. Emphasis has been on the regulation of light harvesting process, the avoidance phenomena at leaf and chloroplast levels and the strategy followed by certa in solar tracking plants in maximizing the light interception without photoinhibitory damage, leading to improvement of diurnal photosynthetic rate. Plant adjustment to light variations over a long term, through the acclimation process brought about by changes in gene function and specific reconstruction of chloroplast has also been discussed. Although the emphasis has been on higher plant systems, green algae and cyanobacterial examples are used wherever appropriate. This book will be a useful reference to advanced postgraduate students, research scientists and teachers interested in the area of photosynthesis research.


Contents:
Light Interception: Basics and Structural Aspects
Introduction. Light Harvesting. Structure and Role of Antennae. Composition of Photosystems. Photosystem II: Composition and Structure. Photosystem I: Structure and Organization

Photoinhibition
Introduction. Occurrence of Photoinhibition. Photoinhibition of Photosystem II. Photoinactivation. Degradation of D1 Protein. Photoinhibition of PS I

Photoprotection
Introduction. Thermal Dissipation of Excitation Energy. Xanthophyll Cycle. Additional Electron Sinks.

Leaf Helitoropism, Solar Tracking and Regulation of Light Harvesting
Introduction. Paraheliotropism and Significance. Diaheliotropism. Leaf Heliotropism and Photosystem II Efficiency. Site of Perception and Mechanism of Leaf Movements

Acclimation of Photosynthesis to Light Environment
Introduction. Regulation. Acclimation to Irradiance Levels. Acclimation in Mature Levels. Acclimation to Changing Light Regime

Transgenics and Biotechnological Approaches
Introduction. Photosystems: Reaction Centres. Light Harvesting Antennae. Photoinhibition: Transgenics. Functional Genomics of Plant Photosynthesis