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The molecule that plants use to protect themselves from the dangers of getting too much sun during photosynthesis has now been revealed by a combination of ultrafast spectroscopy and plant genetics. Plants rely on sunlight to generate chemical energy via photosynthesis. It's been known for more than two decades that plants protect themselves from excess light, which can lead to oxidative damage to chlorophyll and other key photosynthetic pigments. But the biophysical mechanism of this protective process--known as feedback de-excitation--has remained mysterious. Chemist Graham R. Fleming, plant biologist Krishna K. Niyogi, and coworkers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California, Berkeley, have now shown that zeaxanthin, a carotenoid known to be produced by plants in response to bright sunlight, is responsible for the protective effect [Science,307, 433 (2005)]. Using femtosecond spectroscopic techniques and plant genetics, the team shows that exposing spinach leaves to intense light triggers the formation of zeaxanthin cation radicals. These cation radicals form when zeaxanthin binds to potentially dangerous photoexcited chlorophyll molecules. The zeaxanthin gives up an electron to the excited chlorophyll, yielding a chlorophyll anion radical and a zeaxanthin cation radical. These products subsequently undergo charge recombination, allowing the excited-state energy of chlorophyll to be safely dissipated as heat. The study is "a major advance in understanding how feedback de-excitation works at the molecular level," comments Robert E. Blankenship of Arizona State University. It "points the way to studies in which this mechanism might be manipulated for practical uses," he adds, such as protecting artificial photosynthetic systems used for solar energy generation from light-induced damage. poopy poo no!!

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What colour leaf be for too much sunlight?

Leaves that receive too much sunlight can turn yellow, white, or brown due to sunburn or sunscald. This can happen if the plant is exposed to intense sunlight without adequate shade or protection. It's important to provide the plant with the right amount of light to prevent damage.


Do huckleberries grow in shaded areas or in direct sunlight?

Huckleberries typically grow in partially shaded areas with dappled sunlight. They prefer forested environments with some sunlight filtering through the canopy. Too much direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant.


What can cause a plant to die other than a lack of water?

people pulling it of the ground, if you don't water it enough, and too much sunlight


13 How does the hours of sunlight affect the plant growth?

The hours of sunlight a plant receives directly affect its growth and development. Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants make their food. The duration and intensity of sunlight can impact a plant's ability to produce energy, which in turn influences its overall growth, flowering, and fruit production.


In the bright sunlight what are the changes when a plant is put under a jar?

When a plant is put under a jar in bright sunlight, the temperature inside the jar increases due to the greenhouse effect. This can lead to faster evaporation of water from the plant, potentially causing dehydration. Additionally, the lack of air circulation inside the jar may hinder the plant's ability to exchange gases like carbon dioxide and oxygen, affecting its photosynthesis process.

Related Questions

What happens to a plant if it gets too much sunlight and water?

Too much water and it will become root-bound ... the ground surrounding the plant will get moldy and then stricken the plant with diseases. Don't think a plant can get too much sunlight ... there's a difference between "sunlight" and "full sun". Sunlight is somewhat diffused.


Why would a healthy plant outside just die?

The plant either had too much or too little water or sunlight.


What will happen to a plant that gets too much strong sunlight?

The plant will get sunburnt and can actually die


What should be the effect of too much sunlight to growth by plants?

What should be the effect of too much sunlight to growth by plants?the plant might dry up


Does an orchid need a lot of sun?

Plant Needs Sunlight But Not Too Much...


How can you use expose in a sentence?

That philodendron plant will not do well if you expose it to too much sunlight.


Can plants suffer from too much sunlight?

Yes, plants can suffer from too much sunlight, a condition known as sunburn. This can lead to damage to the plant's leaves, stems, and overall health.


How can I ensure that my nerve plant receives the right amount of sunlight to thrive?

To ensure your nerve plant thrives, place it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. Monitor the plant for signs of too much or too little light, and adjust its placement accordingly.


How do you take care of the santan flower plant?

My santan plant loves sunlight too much... this plant blooms best when exposed to bright light... 4-5 hours of direct sunlight is best!


What colour leaf be for too much sunlight?

Leaves that receive too much sunlight can turn yellow, white, or brown due to sunburn or sunscald. This can happen if the plant is exposed to intense sunlight without adequate shade or protection. It's important to provide the plant with the right amount of light to prevent damage.


Does sunlight affects plans growth or does it needmore water?

Plants need sunlight and water to grow. It will die without water, and it will die without sunlight, it is just a matter of time. Different plants need different amounts of water and sunlight. What is not enough water for a rose may be too much water for a cactus. Likewise, what is not enough sunlight for a rose, may be too much sunlight for a rhododendrum. A plant with too little sunlight will not grow to it´s full height, and a plant with too little water will not grow to it´s full height either.


Do different amounts of sunlight have an impact on plant growth?

Yes! Not enough will not allow the plant to grow (as they get energy from sunlight -- so without sunlight they cannot grow) and too much can burn some plants, causing them to die.