What is "photoprotection"

n. The function, in plants that are adapted to high levels of sunlight, that protects the centres of photosynthesis from damage by excess light, normally by the use of carotenoid pigments

Photoprotection is a group of mechanisms that help living organisms cope with molecular damage caused by sunlight. Plants and other oxygenic phototrophs have developed a suite of photoprotective mechanisms to prevent photoinhibition and oxidative stress caused by excess or fluctuating light conditions. Humans and other animals have also developed photoprotective mechanisms to avoid UV photodamage to the skin, prevent DNA damage, and minimize the downstream effects of oxidative stress.