The evolution of Photosystem II: insights into the past and future.
This article attempts to address the molecular origin of Photosystem II (PSII), the central component in oxygenic photosynthesis. It discusses the possible evolution of the relevant cofactors needed for splitting water into molecular O2 with respect to the following functional domains in PSII: the reaction center (RC), the oxygen evolving complex (OEC), and the manganese stabilizing protein (MSP). Possible ancestral sources of the relevant cofactors are considered, as are scenarios of how these components may have been brought together to produce the intermediate steps in the evolution of PSII. Most importantly, the driving forces that maintained these intermediates for continued adaptation are considered. We then apply our understanding of the evolution of PSII to the bioengineering of a water oxidizing catalyst for utilization of solar energy.
Research School of Biology, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia.
Adele
A
Williamson
Brendon
B
Conlan
Warwick
W
Hillier
Tom
T
Wydrzynski
D057005:Bioengineering; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003067:Coenzymes; D004583:Electrons; D008345:Manganese / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D010788:Photosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D045332:Photosystem II Protein Complex / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012993:Solar Energy; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D003067:Coenzymes; D045332:Photosystem II Protein Complex; D014867:Water; D008345:Manganese; D010100:Oxygen