The In vivo Role of Xanthophylls in LHC Structure and Function

类胡萝卜素是植物光系统的重要组成部分，其在光合膜中的组成非常保守。为了增加我们对植物类胡萝卜素合成和功能的理解，这项工作在拟南芥中使用分子方法来定义和破坏这一途径，从而改变体内类胡萝卜素的产生。已经确定了两个负责叶黄素合成的位点。在野生型和突变系的比较中，本研究将描述在各种环境扰动下生长发育过程中类胡萝卜素的产生和积累，监测色素/蛋白质复合物的结构和组成，并测量色素组成变化对光合参数的影响。

9723592 DellaPenna Carotenoids are integral components of plant photosystems and their compositions in photosynthetic membranes is remarkably conserved. In order to increase our understanding of carotenoid synthesis and function in plants, the work uses a molecular approach in Arabidopsis to define and disrupt the pathway and thereby modify carotenoid production in vivo. Two loci, responsible for the synthesis of lutein have been identified. In a comparison between wild type and mutant lines, the work will characterize the production and accumulation of carotenoids during growth and development, in response to various environmental perturbations, monitor pigment/ protein complex structure and composition, and measure the effect of altered pigment composition on photosynthetic parameters.