Photosynthesis research protocols

Abstract

This book is number 684 in Springer's popular ‘Methods in Molecular Biology’ series, which is well known for its targeted protocol chapters, each with detailed recipes, photographs, and a set of notes for additional practical guidance. As its name says, Photosynthesis research protocols focuses on various aspects of photosynthesis research and its chapters reflect the whole complexity of this research field. Its editor Robert Carpentier is a very active member of the photosynthesis research community and is involved in three contributions to this book. The first part of the book, with 12 chapters, consists of biochemical protocols. Detailed descriptions of how to purify entire thylakoid multi-protein complexes or parts of them, as well as protocols of their crystallisation, are provided. Moreover, protocols on how to isolate the luminal proteins plastocyanin and cytochrome c6, as well as chloroplast lipids, are provided in this section. The second part of the book with seven chapters is less homogenous and includes protocols on in vitro import of proteins, proteomics, detection of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, photoinhibition assays, reconstitution of PSII into liposomes and a protocol on how to immobilize photosynthetic material. The third part of the book, with four chapters, deals with genetic approaches, focusing on Arabidopsis mutants, cyanobacterial genetics and chloroplast transformation in Chlamydomonas. A small fourth part with only two chapters, the content of which is related to the first biochemical part of this book, presents protocols on chloroplast isolation and the isolation of bundle-sheath cell strands and thylakoids from leaves of C4 grasses. The fifth and final part of the book, with five chapters, describes recipes centred around Rubiso and Rubisco activase, including its isolation, quantitation and activity measurements. All chapters are of high quality and written by leading scientists in their fields. Illustrations are provided when needed and each protocol is sufficiently detailed also to allow access to beginners in the field. The book occasionally gives the impression that the authors were undecided as to whether to focus on photosynthesis or to cover chloroplast biology in general. Hence, this collection of protocols is too diverse to expect that all of it will appeal to every reader. On the other hand, this same diversity ensures that every photosynthesis researcher will surely find several chapters of interest to them within this book.