Photosynthesis : Functional Genomics, Physiological Processes & Environmental Issues

Photosynthesis is a well-regulated process utilising solar energy for storage as chemical energy to meet the plant''s metabolic needs. It is the key phenomenon that augments plant growth and development under all conditions and is considered as the ultimate source of life for all plant and human life. Although the basic processes of photosynthesis and their importance to the agricultural system for food security have been recognised about two centuries ago, there is an increasing need for intense research considering the population explosion. As the demand for food is expected to increase twofold by 2030, the efforts by plant scientists are necessary to improve the yield of food crops for sustainable development. The improvements in yield of crops can be attained by the protection of photosynthetic apparatus in the current changing environment, where degradation of soil, air and water quality has posed challenges to photosynthetic potential of plants. It has been estimated that the increasing salinization of land will result in the loss of 50% cultivated land by 2050. The situation will further aggravate with the contamination of soil and water by heavy metals. The concentration of CO2 is expected to rise to as much as 500-1000 ppm by 2100 which can lead to increases in global mean temperature by approximately 1°C to 3°C above the present value by 2025 and 2100, respectively. Photosynthesis is one the first processes inhibited under the changing environment leading to reduction of growth and productivity of plants.