Federica Pastorelli

1/ Characterization of cyclic electron flow around photosystem I in photosynthesis 2/ Super-resolution video rate imaging of photosynthetic membrane dynamics in plants and algae

About me

I graduated from the University of Sheffield with BSc in Biochemistry. Between my second and third year I undertook a summer research project in which I observed phenotypic and proteomic changes in Arabidopsis thaliana plants grown under different laboratory and natural conditions. This placement sparked my interest in plant research, particularly in photosynthesis. In my final year project, I investigated the acclimation mechanisms in English ivy which is remarkable for its ability to grow successfully even in the deep shade of the canopy. This experience enhanced my curiosity in this research field and led me to apply for my PhD project

My project

I am working on two projects:

1/ Characterization of cyclic electron flow around photosystem I in photosynthesis.

My project aims to characterise cyclic electron flow around photosystem I which plays an important role in photosynthesis and in the development of the plant. It contributes to the photoprotection of the photosynthetic machinery and it balances the ATP/NAPH ratio for metabolic demands. However, its mechanism and how each protein is involved in the electron pathway remain unclear. A combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches will be used in order to further characterise this mechanisms along with spectroscopic techniques and cryo-electron microscopy.

2/ Super-resolution video rate imaging of photosynthetic membrane dynamics in plants and algae

In plant chloroplast, grana stacking of thylakoid membranes dynamically responds to changing of light intensities. These rapid dynamics help the plants to adapt to different conditions and maintain their photosynthetic efficiency. In this project I aim to investigate how the thylakoid membrane dynamics regulate photosynthesis in real time by using the super-resolution programmable array microscope (SR-PAM).

Connect

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/federica-pastorelli