Thesis Outline

Rubisco activase (Rca), a catalytic chaperone of the key photosynthetic protein Rubisco, ceases to function at higher temperatures, limiting the rate of photosynthesis and decreasing crop yields in warmer environments. My project investigates the molecular mechanisms affecting the thermotolerance of Rca, and aims to engineer new variants of Rca capable of functioning at high temperatures, in order to enable the development of heat tolerant crops which can grow in warmer climates.