Term Name:	nonphotochemical quenching
Synonyms:
Definition:	The process by which excess light energy absorbed by chlorophyll and not used to drive photosynthesis is emitted as heat. This process helps maintain the balance between dissipation and utilization of light energy to minimize generation of oxidizing molecules, thereby protecting the plant against photo-oxidative damage.
Ontology:	GO: Biological Process [GO:0010196]    QuickGO    AmiGO