This study concerns the mechanisms that enable certain types of seaweed common to high latitude North American waters (specifically kelp belonging to the Laminaria genus) to maintain rapid rates of photosynthesis at low temperatures (0-20 degrees centigrade). This phenomenon of low temperature photosynthetic adaptation is poorly understood. The results of the proposed work will have a major impact on our understanding of photosynthesis in marine algae that account for over a third of the plant growth on the planet. Also, a better understanding of the adaptations these kelp have made in their photosynthetic machinery at extreme conditions may have applications ranging from the aquaculture of these plants to the improved understanding of how crop plants on land can be made more resistent to cold.
