Three-dimensional structure of the plant photosystem II reaction centre at 8 A resolution

Article Abstract:

The multisubunit enzyme complex photosystem II is involved in plant photosynthesis, using solar energy to break down water. There are more than 25 different subunits making up native photosystem II. Electron crystallography was used to determine the three-dimensional structure of a photosystem II sub-complex containing D1, D2, CP47 proteins and cytochrome b-559. TheCP47 reaction centre undertakes light-mediated energy and electron-transfer reactions, but cannot oxidize water.

User Contributions:

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

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Many wheels make light work

Article Abstract:

G. McDermott and colleagues have revealed the atomic structure of the bacterial light-harvesting complex LH2 involved in fixation of the solar energy during photosynthesis. Two rather short alpha-helical polypeptides with their associated pigment molecules form each of nine rings, as described by the scientists.This structure was revealed using a back soaking technique to dislodge a bound heavy metal without changing the unit-cell.

User Contributions:

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

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Chlorophylls galore

Article Abstract:

Extensive research work has culminated in the characterization of the crystal structure of photosystem I, a large photosynthetic group of membrane proteins and other factors, at 2.5 A resolution. Photosystem I is shown to be an extremely complex assembly of 11 different polypeptides.

User Contributions:

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

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code: