Research
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The major research focus of our
laboratory is related to the biophysics of photosynthetic
light conversion. The majority of photosynthetic pigments
(chlorophylls, phycobilins and carotenoids) perform a light-harvesting
function, absorbing light and transferring energy with very
high efficiency to the reaction centers where this energy
is utilized. Photosynthetic organisms in natural environments
are challenged by exposure to changing light intensities and
stress conditions. The balance point between efficient light
harvesting and potential photodamage is fine and dependent
upon changing environmental conditions and metabolic demands.
Most plants are unable to modify the environmental light levels
they are exposed to. As a result, they have developed numerous
mechanisms that allow them to fine tune the absorption, distribution
and safe dissipation of the light energy. These mechanisms
involve a close interaction between light-harvesting pigments
and their protein environment. Our general goal is to understand
the molecular photophysical mechanisms of energy conversion
in photosynthesis and the regulation of these processes.
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