Seminar - Hans-Erik Åkerlund
Date:
Thursday, May 12, 2011 14:00 - 15:00
Duration:
1 Hour
Categories:
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Contact info
Christiane Funk
Title: Zeaxanthin in connection to photosynthesis and vision
Prof. Hans-Erik Åkerlund, Dept. of Biochemistry, Lund University
Place: KB3A9 "Lilla hörsalen", KBC
Abstract:
Oxidative stress is one the more important causes for damage of component of living cells. The combination of light, oxygen and red-ox carriers is particularly harmful and generates reactive oxygen species. This is the situation both in the photosynthetic system and in the retina of the eye. Although living systems have developed numerous systems to coop with this, damage may still occur, especially under stress conditions, leading to photoinhibition in plants and loss of vision humans. Zeaxanthin appears to have a central role for protection in these systems. The presentation will deal with regulatory aspects on the generation of zeaxanthin by the enzyme violaxanthin de-epoxidase, effects on membrane packing but also the application of this knowledge to improve the nutritional value of harvested vegetables.
Prof. Hans-Erik Åkerlund, Dept. of Biochemistry, Lund University
Place: KB3A9 "Lilla hörsalen", KBC
Abstract:
Oxidative stress is one the more important causes for damage of component of living cells. The combination of light, oxygen and red-ox carriers is particularly harmful and generates reactive oxygen species. This is the situation both in the photosynthetic system and in the retina of the eye. Although living systems have developed numerous systems to coop with this, damage may still occur, especially under stress conditions, leading to photoinhibition in plants and loss of vision humans. Zeaxanthin appears to have a central role for protection in these systems. The presentation will deal with regulatory aspects on the generation of zeaxanthin by the enzyme violaxanthin de-epoxidase, effects on membrane packing but also the application of this knowledge to improve the nutritional value of harvested vegetables.