Prof. Thomas Nägele
Plant Sciences. LMU Munich. Germany
In his research, Thomas focuses on quantitative analysis of plant-environment interactions. His lab applies experimental techniques of pulse-amplitude modulation, gas exchange measurement, photometry, chromatography and mass spectrometry to resolve dynamics of plant metabolism in dynamic environments. In recent years, he has established a platform for experimental high-throughput analysis of primary and secondary metabolism on a subcellular scale which enables the estimation of compartment-specific effective metabolite and protein concentrations. Thomas’ team develops mathematical models to simulate complex plant-environment scenarios to derive quantitative information about complex system behavior and its consequence on plant growth and development. Since 2018, he is Professor in the field of plant sciences at LMU Munich.
Title: Stabilizing photosynthesis in a dynamic environment – a regulatory trade-off?
Webinar date: Tuesday 2nd May 14.00 CEST
Abstract: Plant photosynthesis and metabolism are directly affected by changing environmental conditions. To prevent disbalance of primary and secondary reactions of photosynthesis which results in generation of reactive oxygen species and irreversible tissue damage, photosynthetic electron transport needs to be tightly linked to enzymatic CO2 fixation. While reaction sequences of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle (CBBC) and the photorespiratory pathway are well described, underlying regulatory strategies and their impact on photosynthetic performance are less well understood. Here, a framework of mathematical modelling is presented which suggests stabilization of the CBBC and carbohydrate metabolism by photorespiration and cytosolic sucrose biosynthesis. A trade-off function of photorespiration is discussed which reduces carbon assimilation rates but simultaneously stabilizes metabolism by increasing plasticity of metabolic regulation within the chloroplast. Finally, the presentation sheds light on the role of a multicompartmental metabolic pathway in stabilizing plant metabolism within a dynamic environment.