fotobiologinen

Fotobiologinen is a term derived from Greek words, meaning "light" and "biology." It refers to the study of the effects of light on living organisms. This field encompasses a wide range of phenomena, from how plants use sunlight for photosynthesis to how ultraviolet radiation can damage human skin. Photobiology investigates the biological processes that are initiated or influenced by light.

Key areas within photobiology include photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy by plants and some bacteria, and vision, where light stimulates photoreceptor cells in the eyes. The study also examines the detrimental effects of light, such as photodamage to DNA, and beneficial applications, like phototherapy used to treat certain medical conditions, such as jaundice in newborns or skin disorders like psoriasis. Different wavelengths of light have distinct biological impacts. For instance, ultraviolet (UV) light can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer, while visible light is crucial for plant growth and human vision. Infrared radiation, on the other hand, is associated with heat. Researchers in photobiology use various techniques to understand these interactions at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The goal is to gain knowledge about light's role in life and to develop new technologies and treatments based on these principles.