Quantum Monte Carlo for
Photoprotection in Photosynthesis: Progress Report
William Lester, Berkeley, U.S.A.
Lundi 9 mai 2005, 11h00, salle 2/3,
Bâtiment St.Raphael, 3 rue Galilée, 94200 Ivry-sur-Seine
A problem of far reaching importance is the understanding of how
biological systems dependent on photons for their existence are able to
protect themselves in environments where there is an overabundance of
incident radiation. Recent experiments indicate the role of specific
carotenoids as providing the capability to dissipate excess radiation
thereby leading to photoprotection of the organic system. Quantum
Monte Carlo (QMC) computations have been undertaken to shed light on
the mechanism of photoprotection at the molecular level. This talk will
focus on current understanding of the process and describe work in
progress on this system.