Submitted by Krishna Niyogi on
Photosynthesis is the biological process that converts solar energy and carbon dioxide into biomass. The supply of light and
carbon in nature can be very dynamic, so algae and plants need to regulate photosynthesis to balance the absorption and
utilization of light energy for carbon dioxide assimilation. When light is saturating or carbon dioxide availability is limiting for
photosynthesis, photosynthesis and photoprotection are regulated to maintain the efficiency of photosynthesis and prevent
oxidative damage. For example, photosynthetic light harvesting is regulated by nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ)
processes that dissipate excess absorbed light energy as heat, and various signaling pathways control photosynthetic gene
expression in the nucleus. Our goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of these regulatory processes in algae and
plants using a combination of genetics, biochemistry, and spectroscopy. By understanding how this regulation works, we
hope to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis.
The research apprentice will work initially with a graduate student or postdoc and will be given the opportunity to develop an independent project, with the possibility of continuing through the academic year and possibility during the summer. Students can expect to gain experience with a variety of techniques, including Cas9-mediated genome editing, genetic crosses, phenotypic screening of mutants using in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence measurements, HPLC, protein immunoblotting, gene cloning, PCR, and DNA sequencing.
Minimum qualifications: Biology 1A or 1B (may be taken concurrently), 3.0 GPA, and interest in genetics. Hours are
negotiable, but a commitment of at least 12 hours per week is expected.