Photoprotection, Photoinhibition, Gene Regulation, and Environment examines the processes whereby plants monitor environmental conditions and orchestrate their response to change, an ability paramount to the life of all plants. "Excess light", absorbed by the light-harvesting systems of photosynthetic organisms, is an integrative indicator of the environment, communicating the presence of intense light and any conditions unfavorable for growth and photosynthesis. Key plant responses are photoprotection and photoinhibition. In this volume, the dual role of photoprotective responses in the preservation of leaf integrity and in redox signaling networks modulating stress acclimation, growth, and development is addressed. In addition, the still unresolved impact of photoinhibition on plant survival and productivity is discussed. Specific topics include dissipation of excess energy via thermal and other pathways, scavenging of reactive oxygen by antioxidants, proteins key to photoprotection and photoinhibition, peroxidation of lipids, as well as signaling by reactive oxygen, lipid-derived messengers, and other messengers that modulate gene expression. Approaches include biochemical, physiological, genetic, molecular, and field studies, addressing intense visible and ultraviolet light, winter conditions, nutrient deficiency, drought, and salinity.

Harnessing the sun s energy via photosynthesis is at the core of sustainable production of food, fuel, and materials by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. Photosynthesis depends on photoprotection against intense sunlight, starting with the safe removal of excess excitation energy from the light-harvesting system, which can be quickly and non-destructively assessed via non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (NPQ). By placing NPQ into the context of whole-organism function, this book aims to contribute towards identification of plant and algal lines with superior stress resistance and productivity. By addressing agreements and open questions concerning photoprotection s molecular mechanisms, this book contributes towards development of artificial photosynthetic systems. A comprehensive picture from single molecules to organisms in ecosystems, and from leading expert s views to practical information for non-specialists on NPQ measurement and terminology is presented."

Antioxidants in Higher Plants provides a unique blend of molecular and biochemical approaches to cover the state of the art in antioxidant function. The chemistry and protective potential of sulfhydryl and hydroxyl compounds are emphasized. Interesting perspectives are presented regarding the response of antioxidant metabolism to interactions among environmental pollutants, illumination, temperature, and water availability. The book also discusses how tools of molecular biology may further clarify antioxidant function and response to stress. Antioxidants in Higher Plants will be an excellent reference for plant physiologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, ecologists, and students.

Antioxidants in Higher Plants provides a unique blend of molecular and biochemical approaches to cover the state of the art in antioxidant function. The chemistry and protective potential of sulfhydryl and hydroxyl compounds are emphasized. Interesting perspectives are presented regarding the response of antioxidant metabolism to interactions among environmental pollutants, illumination, temperature, and water availability. The book also discusses how tools of molecular biology may further clarify antioxidant function and response to stress. Antioxidants in Higher Plants will be an excellent reference for plant physiologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, ecologists, and students.