In chloroplasts, photosynthetic electron transport generates a proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane which then drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase. Changes to the balance between electron transport and ATP synthesis negatively affect photosynthesis and ultimately the plant’s growth, as observed for example in tobacco cytochrome b6f complex loss-of-function mutants. In this project, the student will further investigate the relationship between the cytochrome b6f and ATP synthase complexes using a combination of molecular biology and physiological techniques. This project is part of a larger project and highly relevant for our overall goal to improve photosynthesis in crop plants.