Whole cell proteomic changes in high-light tolerant alga from the desert

Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) mechanisms are crucial for protecting photosynthesis from photoinhibition in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. Modulating these mechanisms has long been a goal for improving photosynthesis and crop yields. The current work demonstrates that Chlorella ohadii, a green micro-alga thriving in the desert under high light intensities that are fatal to many photosynthetic organisms, neither performs nor requires NPQ to protect photosynthesis under constant high light. This dataset includes the whole-cell proteomic changes that occur in Chlorella ohadii cultures grown under high light compared to those grown under low light, with a particular focus on changes in protein oxidative damage, as indicated by the oxidation of tryptophan residues.