Lipids in and around photosynthetic reaction centres.
Reaction centres are membrane-embedded pigment-protein complexes that transduce the energy of sunlight into a biologically useful form. The most heavily studied reaction centres are the PS-I (Photosystem I) and PS-II complexes from oxygenic phototrophs, and the reaction centre from purple photosynthetic bacteria. A great deal is known about the compositions and structures of these reaction centres, and the mechanism of light-activated transmembrane electron transfer, but less is known about how they interact with other components of the photosynthetic membrane, including the membrane lipids. X-ray crystallography has provided high-resolution structures for PS-I and the purple bacterial reaction centre, and revealed binding sites for a number of lipids, either embedded in the protein interior or attached to the protein surface. These lipids play a variety of roles, including the binding of cofactors and the provision of structural support. The challenges of modelling surface-associated electron density features such as lipids, detergents, small amphiphiles and ions are discussed.
Fyfe
P K
PK
Division of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK.
Jones
M R
MR
D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry; D008958:Models, Molecular; D045322:Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D045332:Photosystem II Protein Complex / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011809:Quinones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D008055:Lipids; D045322:Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins; D045332:Photosystem II Protein Complex; D011809:Quinones