A systems-wide understanding of photosynthetic acclimation in algae and higher plants

The ability of phototrophs to colonise different environments relied on the robust protection against oxidative stress in phototrophs, a critical requirement for the successful evolutionary transition from water to land. Photosynthetic organisms have developed numerous strategies to adapt their photosynthetic apparatus to changing light conditions in order to optimise their photosynthetic yield, crucial for life to exist on Earth. Photosynthetic acclimation is an excellent example of the complexity of biological systems, in which highly diverse processes, ranging from electron excitation over protein protonation to enzymatic processes coupling ion gradients with biosynthetic activity interact on drastically different timescales, ranging from picoseconds to hours. An efficient functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus and its protection is paramount for efficient downstream processes including metabolism and growth. Modern experimental techniques can be successfully integrated with theoretical and mathematical models to promote our understanding of underlying mechanisms and principles. This Review aims to provide a retrospective analysis of multidisciplinary photosynthetic acclimation research carried out by members of the Marie Curie Initial Training Project “AccliPhot”, placing the results in a wider context. The Review also highlights the applicability of photosynthetic organisms for industry, particularly with regards to the cultivation of microalgae. It aims to demonstrate how theoretical concepts can successfully complement experimental studies broadening our knowledge of common principles in acclimation processes in photosynthetic organisms, as well as in the field of applied microalgal biotechnology