Dissertation defence (Molecular Plant Biology): MSc Mehmet Kiliç
Time
16.12.2024 at 12.00 - 16.00
MSc Mehmet Kiliç defends the dissertation in Molecular Plant Biology titled “PHOTOSYNTHETIC SIGNALING UPON CHANGES IN LIGHT CONDITIONS” at the University of Turku on 16 December 2024 at 12.00 (University of Turku, Main building, Säästöpankki lecture hall, Turku).
Opponent: Professor Åsa Strand (Umeå University, Sweden)
Custos: Professor Eevi Rintamäki (University of Turku)
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Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
Light powers the process of photosynthesis, which plants and other photosynthetic organisms use for converting sunlight into chemical energy, needed by all organisms to grow and sustain life. Natural light, however, is not always consistent and the quantity and quality of light can change rapidly, sometimes becoming too intense or shifting in colour, thereby creating stressful conditions for photosynthetic organisms. Such a stress can damage the molecular machinery of photosynthesis, leading to a loss of photosynthetic efficiency, and impacting both the growth and productivity.
My research explores how plants and cyanobacteria respond to these light-related stresses. When faced with sudden changes in light, these organisms activate survival mechanisms, adjusting their genes, metabolism, and physiology to protect themselves and eventually to recover from damage. I investigated, which genes are “switched on” or “off” under different light stresses. For example, I found that about 21% of the genes in Arabidopsis plants are affected by increased light intensity. My work also revealed how plants employ antioxidants, hormones, and various reactive molecules to protect themselves and repair light-induced damage.
The findings from my study not only enhance our understanding of how photosynthetic organisms survive in challenging environments but also open doors to practical benefits. By identifying key genes that help plants tolerate challenging conditions, we can develop crops that are more resilient to environmental challenges and address the food security.
Opponent: Professor Åsa Strand (Umeå University, Sweden)
Custos: Professor Eevi Rintamäki (University of Turku)
***
Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
Light powers the process of photosynthesis, which plants and other photosynthetic organisms use for converting sunlight into chemical energy, needed by all organisms to grow and sustain life. Natural light, however, is not always consistent and the quantity and quality of light can change rapidly, sometimes becoming too intense or shifting in colour, thereby creating stressful conditions for photosynthetic organisms. Such a stress can damage the molecular machinery of photosynthesis, leading to a loss of photosynthetic efficiency, and impacting both the growth and productivity.
My research explores how plants and cyanobacteria respond to these light-related stresses. When faced with sudden changes in light, these organisms activate survival mechanisms, adjusting their genes, metabolism, and physiology to protect themselves and eventually to recover from damage. I investigated, which genes are “switched on” or “off” under different light stresses. For example, I found that about 21% of the genes in Arabidopsis plants are affected by increased light intensity. My work also revealed how plants employ antioxidants, hormones, and various reactive molecules to protect themselves and repair light-induced damage.
The findings from my study not only enhance our understanding of how photosynthetic organisms survive in challenging environments but also open doors to practical benefits. By identifying key genes that help plants tolerate challenging conditions, we can develop crops that are more resilient to environmental challenges and address the food security.
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