Impact of UV radiation on photosynthetic apparatus: Adaptive and damaging mechanisms

Abstract

Thickness reduction of stratospheric ozone layer is one of the environmental threats that leads to shared increase of UV-B radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. Mechanisms of adaptation and damage of the photosynthetic apparatus (PA) in higher plants are considered in this review. Mn-containing water-oxidizing complex, D1 and D2 proteins, quinone molecules, disruption of thylakoid membrane integrity, and a number of Calvin cycle enzymes, first of all Rubisco, are the first targets of UV radiation. This review examines various mechanisms that can protect the PA against UV radiation. A shift of pro-/antioxidant balance towards antioxidants, synthesis of UV-absorbing pigments, and a number of other mechanisms are considered in this review. Reactive oxygen species, UVR8 protein, and photoreceptors such as phytochrome and cryptochrome are included in the UV-transduction chain. UV-induced inhibition of photosynthesis and growth.