Some researchers prefer to define the term “photoinhibition” so that it contains all reactions that lower the quantum yield of photosynthesis when a plant is exposed to light. In this case, the term "dynamic photoinhibition" comprises phenomena that reversibly down-regulate photosynthesis in the light and the term "photodamage" or "irreversible photoinhibition" covers the concept of photoinhibition used by other researchers. The main mechanism of dynamic photoinhibition is non-photochemical quenching of excitation energy absorbed by PSII. Dynamic photoinhibition is acclimation to strong light rather than light-induced damage, and therefore "dynamic photoinhibition" may actually protect the plant against "photoinhibition".