Unusual light management strategies of Photosystem II in Norway spruce

Duration
01/2018 - 12/2020
Project number
18-12178S
Co-principle investigator
Land plants are constantly exposed to varying light conditions. In plants acclimated to high light intensity, the amount of light harvesting proteins (Lhcb) of phosystem II (PSII) is reduced due to down-regulation of Lhcb3 and Lhcb6 proteins. Recently we have revealed an unexpected absence of these proteins in Pinaceae and Gnetales (Kouřil et al. 2016, New Phytologist). Surprisingly, we have also found indications that Lhcsr protein could be present in these species. This protein is crucial for the non-photochemical quenching of absorbed light (NPQ) in PSII in evolutionarily older organisms. In more recent ones the role of Lhcsr in NPQ has been fully taken over by PsbS protein. In the proposed project we want to study the acclimation of Norway spruce (Pinaceae) to different light intensities. It can be assumed that the mechanism of acclimation will be unique due to the absence of Lhbc3 and Lhcb6, and that also the role of PsbS and Lhcsr in NPQ will be unusual. We hope that our findings will contribute to the understanding of the evolution of photoprotective mechanisms in land plants.