Avoiding coral bleaching: Investigation into the repair of damaged photosynthetic machinery in symbiotic algae (Symbiodinium) within corals

Coral bleaching accompanies photoinhibition in symbiotic algae (Symbiodinium spp.) within corals under stressful conditions (e.g., heat stress). As photoinhibition is attributed to accumulation of photodamaged photosystem II (PSII), the mechanism associated with energy-costly repair of photodamaged PSII is important for alleviating photoinhibition. Symbiodinium have a unique PSII repair mechanism but the details are not yet understood. The aim of this project is to describe the molecular mechanism associated with the PSII repair in Symbiodinium. The knowledge gained from this project will give new insights into how Symbiodinium attempt to avoid photoinhibition and subsequent coral bleaching under stressful conditions in corals.