How Plants Improve Photosynthesis When the Light Environment Changes

Plants are frequently grown in stable lighting for research purposes, which does not mimic outdoor conditions.

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam-Golm (Germany) and the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University (USA) demonstrate the significance of two key proteins for the dynamic control of photosynthesis in a series of experiments with changing light conditions, simulating the natural interplay of light and shadow.

Plants between light and darkness

(Photo : Annie Spratt/Unsplash)

For growth, plants engage in photosynthesis. They use the energy from the sun, release oxygen, and create carbohydrates, which are the main source of food for everyone on the planet, including almost all other animals, as per ScienceDaily.

Under natural circumstances, the amount of light can change drastically in a brief period of time. Clouds, which cast light and shadow as they move in front of the sun, are one of the main causes.

When moved by the wind, plant leaves and branches can also momentarily offer shade.

When there is not enough light, plants cannot move from the shade to the sun, and vice versa when there is too much light, they cannot move from the sun to the shade.

They must adapt in other ways to shifting lighting conditions.

Like overexposure harms humans, overexposure harms plants. A sudden switch from dim to bright light is particularly problematic.

Plants use molecules in their leaves to capture light particles, much like the retina in our eyes.

These light traps are very effective at capturing as much of the low light as they can when it is present. A plant might receive an excessive amount of light energy if lighting conditions suddenly change.

This energy has the potential to overwhelm or harm the delicate photosynthetic machinery found inside plant cells.

Accordingly, in order to maximize light yield on the one hand while avoiding damage from too much light on the other, plants must constantly adapt their photosynthetic activity to their environmental conditions.

Currently, stable and uniform lighting conditions are almost exclusively used to grow plants in greenhouses and laboratories.

As a result, we know very little about how adaptation to changing lighting conditions works.

In the worst-case scenario, this could result in plants that are flourishing in greenhouses and laboratories but suddenly exhibit drastically subpar performance when grown outdoors.

Read more: Tree Growth is Not Entirely Dependent on Photosynthesis: New Study

Control of photosynthesis in response to varying light conditions

The model plant Arabidopsis thaliana was examined for the study by a team of researchers led by Ute Armbruster from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam-Golm and David Kramer from the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University (USA).

A wide range of conditions, including constant, varying, and natural light, was used to grow plants.

The two ion transport proteins VCCN1 and KEA3, which are essential for dynamically adjusting photosynthetic performance, were the subject of the study.

Previous research has shown that VCCN1 activates sun protection if the light intensity suddenly increases.

The second protein KEA3 quickly breaks down this sun protection when the light intensity drops so that the plant can once again absorb more light.

Combining a novel measurement technique with the selective use of plants with VCCN1 and KEA3 gene knockouts, the researchers were able to accurately measure photosynthesis.

They demonstrate how the light conditions the plants were raised in effect the activities of the proteins VCCN1 and KEA3.

What Happens to Plants That Are Kept in The Dark?

Without it, plants might grow slowly or even perish. Light is necessary for photosynthesis in plants, as per All About Gardening.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants develop and convert solar energy into energy.

Given that plants require light to survive, you may be wondering what will happen if you keep a plant in a room that isn't well-lit or is completely dark.

What would happen, for instance, if you took your houseplants and placed them in a dim closet? Would they pass on?

It might not, but it could slow their growth. In addition, if no light is added, you might experience withered leaves or other issues.

Naturally, depending on the type of plant, giving it the ideal amount of sunlight is best for it. If you can't, you can still use artificial lighting as a substitute. Find out how darkness affects plants by reading on.

First and foremost, if you keep your plant in the dark, it will eventually start to wilt and die if you don't provide it with some kind of light. Regardless of how adaptable they are to their new environment, plants kept in the dark will wither.

When the plant is unable to produce food, it eats what is still on the stems and leaves.

The plant's leaves will eventually turn yellow with some brown dots once all other options have been exhausted.

Finally, the plant's leaves turn black and drop from its stem and/or branches.

Related article: Researchers Reveal the Most Detailed Process of Photosynthesis