IBG-2, Research Area Growth and Metabolism
Light Stress and Acclimation Group

Plants need light energy to perform photosynthesis; not many plants can survive low light (energy poor) conditions for a long period. However, when the light supply exceeds plants capacity of energy utilization, it becomes a potential threat; excess light energy can be transferred to O₂ to generate reactive oxygen species. In an ever-changing light environment, in which other abiotic and biotic factors also fluctuate to impinge on plant´s energy demand, light stress (too much or too little light with respect to what can be utilized) can happen at any time.

• How strongly or quickly does the balance between photosynthesis and photoprotection change under various environments?
• What processes are involved to bring about the balance shift at different time scales?
• Where certain (severe) stress is expected, how do plants survive such conditions?
• What impact do they have on growth and productivity of photosynthetic cells and plants?

These questions are addressed in our group by using some of the techniques available in the ICG-3.

Leader: Dr. Shizue Matsubara

Research Area
Growth and Metabolism

ecophysiology
secondary metabolism
light stress
carbohydrate metabolism
environmental contaminants

Light Stress and Acclimation Group