RIYADH: Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have identified a mechanism that helps plants protect photosynthesis during extreme heat, a finding that could support efforts to develop crops better suited to arid climates such as Saudi Arabia’s.
The study, led by Monika Chodasiewicz, found that a chlorophyll-producing protein reorganizes into temporary structures inside chloroplasts when plants are exposed to high temperatures. The structures, known as chloroplast stress granules, help preserve and restore the plant’s ability to convert sunlight into chemical energy.
The findings were published in the scientific journal Plant Physiology.
Researchers said the protein, called protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase, changes its behavior and location under heat stress instead of relying on slower gene-activation processes.
“This matters because heat is one of the major threats to plant productivity, and protecting photosynthesis is essential for maintaining plant growth and crop yield,” Chodasiewicz, assistant professor of plant science at KAUST, said in a university release.
The team found that plants lacking the protein struggled to cope with elevated temperatures, while plants containing it recovered more quickly after heat exposure, pointing to a natural mechanism that boosts resilience.
Chodasiewicz said researchers were surprised that the protein was not strongly activated at the gene-expression level during heat stress, suggesting plants can respond rapidly by reorganizing existing proteins rather than producing new ones.
The research focused on Arabidopsis thaliana, a widely used model plant in the mustard family. Researchers said the next stage will test whether similar protective mechanisms exist in crop species and whether related proteins can be modified without harming plant growth.
Saudi Arabia and other arid regions face mounting agricultural challenges linked to heat, water scarcity and soil salinity, all of which can reduce photosynthesis and lower crop yields.
Researchers said the discovery could contribute to future crop-breeding and biotechnology efforts aimed at improving food security and climate resilience in harsh environments.
