How and why does mitochondrial respiratory chain respond to light?

The plant mitochondrial respiratory system changes in its activity in response to light. This response has been thought to be important for ensuring cooperative function with the photosynthetic system. A recent study addressing light responses of the respiratory chain in Arabidopsis thaliana provided further insight into the role of mitochondria in illuminated leaves. Notably, the non-phosphorylating alternative oxidase is rapidly induced when plants are exposed to the high light stress, and appears to play a key role in keeping cellular redox balance.