Xanthophyll Cycle and Its Molecular Mechanism in Photoprotection

When plants absorb more light than that can be used for photosynthesis, the excessive energy can cause photoinhibition and even photooxidation of photosynthetic apparatus. Xanthophyll cycle-dependent photoprotection is believed to be the main mechanism for plants to deal with excessive light energy. This review focuses on molecular biological aspects and regulations of violaxanthin de-epoxidase and zeaxanthin epoxidase involved in xanthophyll cycle. We will summarize the functions of xanthophyll cycle, especially recent advances in its thermal dissipation mechanism of photoprotection. Some interesting issues deserving further study will be discussed.