Adaptive responses of plants to light stress: mechanisms of photoprotection and acclimation. A review

Plants depend on solar energy for growth via oxygenic photosynthesis. However, when light levels exceed the optimal range for photosynthesis, it causes abiotic stress and harms plant physiology. In response to excessive light, plants activate a series of signaling pathways starting from the chloroplast and affecting the entire plant, leading to stress-specific physiological changes. These signals prompt various physiological and biochemical adjustments aimed at counteracting the negative impacts of high light intensity, including photodamage and photoinhibition. Mechanisms to protect against light stress involve scavenging of chloroplastic reactive oxygen species (ROS), adjustments in chloroplast and stomatal…