Excess light can harm plants, but they have a way to protect themselves by converting violaxanthin to zeaxanthin. In Quercus coccifera leaves, three pools of zeaxanthin were found during light changes. These zeaxanthin pools have different roles in protecting the plant from too much light. Most of the protective energy dissipation happens quickly and can be reversed just as fast. The acidity level in the plant is important for this protection process. Only a small amount of zeaxanthin is used for energy dissipation, while the largest pool helps as an antioxidant to keep the plant safe from damage.