Dynamic xanthophyll cycle (XC) related non-photochemical quenching (NPQd, also called qE) is present in most phototrophs. It allows dissipating excess light energy under adverse growing conditions.

Efficiently balancing photochemistry and photoprotection is crucial for survival and productivity of photosynthetic organisms in the rapidly fluctuating light levels found in natural environments. The ...

For plants and algae that carry on photosynthesis, light can be too much of a good thing. On a bright, sunny day, a plant might only be able to utilize 20 percent or less of absorbed sunlight. The ...