Regulation of the primary photosynthesis processes

The mechanisms of primary processes of photosynthesis and macromolecular conformational changes that control the efficiency of primary energy transformation in photosynthesis are discussed. Special attention is focused on the analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence as an integrated parameter indicative of the efficiency and dynamics of primary steps of photosynthesis. Sharp changes in environmental conditions and other unfavorable factors may lead to the distortions of the coupling between consecutive electron transfer steps. As a result, an excess of electrons and/or electronic excitation energy may form at some sites of the electron transport chain. This may lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species responsible for the subsequent oxidative stress. The results of the application of these data in the areas of biotechnology and ecology are demonstrated.