Structural and functional alterations of cyanobacterial phycobilisomes induced by high-light stress

► High-light induces energetic decoupling of PBSs from the reaction centers. ► Energetic decoupling is accompanied by detachment/disassembly of the PBSs. ► The above processes are likely induced by thermal transients within the PBS. ► Energetic decoupling of PBSs may serve a photoprotective role under stress conditions.