Research at Molecular Plant Biology

Research at the Department of Life Technologies Molecular Plant Biology unit is focused on understanding the structure, function and regulation of photosynthesis in plants, algae and cyanobacteria. We study cellular components and energy transfer pathways in different photosynthetic systems to identify the roles of photosynthesis in cell metabolism and signaling, development and stress responses, also upon changes in ambient environment. Applied aspects of photosynthesis research include modification of photosynthesis for bioenergy production, waste water treatment and use of photosynthetic organisms as cell factories for the production of valuable compounds.

Focal areas of research

Research groups

Centres of Excellence

Recent publications

Towards Permanent Settlements on Mars (from 1000 to 100,000 People) (2025)

Chatzitheodoridis, Elias; Clerc, Philippe; Kereszturi, Akos; Mason, Nigel; Persson, Erik; Possnig, Carmen; Poulet, Lucie; Puumala, Mikko; Sivula, Oskari; Brucato, John Robert; Cesari, Laetitia; Detrell, Gisela; Ditrych, Ondřej; Fornaro, Teresa; Gonçalves, Barbara; Gross, Christoph; Hedlund, Maria; Hofmann, Mahulena; Krassakis, Alexandros; Lee, Natuschka M.; Lehto, Kirsi; Meneghin, Andrea; Noack, Lena; Rückert, Patrick; Schmidt, Nikola; Selke, Stefan; Tikkanen, Mikko; Tønnessen, Morten; Tracht, Kirsten
(A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book)

Mars as a Science Base: Towards a Small Permanent Outpost (2025)

Chatzitheodoridis, Elias; de Vera, Jean Pierre; Kereszturi, Akos; Mason, Nigel; Possnig, Carmen; Puumala, Mikko; Sivula, Oskari; Viso, Michel; Detrell, Gisela; Ditrych, Ondřej; Lee, Natuschka M.; Lehto, Kirsi; Persson, Erik; Runavot, Marie-Clotilde; Schmidt, Nikola; Vago, Jorge L.
(A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book)

Perspectives for Crewed Missions to Mars: Exploration from Orbit and/or Short Stay (2025)

Chatzitheodoridis, Elias; de Vera, Jean-Pierre; Kereszturi, Akos; Mason, Nigel; Possnig, Carmen; Puumala, Mikko; Sivula, Oskari; Viso, Michel; Arnould, Jacques; Detrell, Gisela; Ewald, Reinhold; Freissinet, Caroline; Holynska, Malgorzata; Javaux, Emmanuelle; Lee, Natuschka M.; Lehto, Kirsi; Milligan, Tony; Siljeström, Sandra; Vago, Jorge L.
(A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book)