Reactive oxygen species
The mechanism(s) of photoinhibition are under debate, several mechanisms have been suggested. Reactive oxygen species, especially singlet oxygen, have a role in the acceptor-side, singlet oxygen and low-light mechanisms. In the manganese mechanism and the donor side mechanism, reactive oxygen species do not play a direct role. Photoinhibited PSII produces singlet oxygen, and reactive oxygen species inhibit the repair cycle of PSII by inhibiting protein synthesis in the chloroplast.