A crystal clear view

Article Abstract:

Rhee and colleagues have reported an electron crystallographic analysis providing insight into the three dimensional structure of the plant photosystem II (PSII) complex. They have found that PSII D1 and D2 subunit proteins are similar to L and M bacterial subunits. There is also a match between helices ascribed to CP47 and the helices of the PS1 PsA/B subunits, indicating that PsA/B evolved from the gene fusion of CP43/47-like proteins.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Water stress inhibits plant photosynthesis by decreasing coupling factor and ATP

Article Abstract:

Plant metabolism is substantially altered by water stress. The mechanisms by which stress decreases photosynthetic assimilation of CO2 are controversial. It is shown than in leaves of sunflower, stress decreases CO2 assimilation more than it slows O2 evolution, and there is now reversal by high concentrations of CO2. ATP-synthase is found to decrease with stress.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Proton-powered turbine of a plant motor

Article Abstract:

It has been possible to image the ATP synthase from leaf chloroplasts by using atomic force microscopy. It was found that its turbine has 14 subunits, arranged in a cylindrical ring.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code: