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Reaction Center, Difference Spectrum, Lipid Vesicle, Actinic Light, Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
Abstract:
The crystallization (1) and subsequent x-ray diffraction analysis (2,3) of the reaction center from Rps. viridis have provided a detailed picture of the ground state, PIQA QB . In order to gain insight into the electron transfer dynamics of the protein-chromophore complex, light-induced FTIR difference spectra have been measured on RC crystals and on RC’s reconstituted into lipid vesicles. In contrast to Resonance Raman spectroscopy which yields information only on the conjugated parts of chromophores, infrared spectroscopy is able to monitor absorbance bands of all molecular groups in the protein-pigment complex. FTIR difference spectra of the various charge-separated states in the reaction center should additionally provide information on non-chromophoric groups in the protein and thereby a better understanding of the molecular events in the primary electron transfer reactions of photosynthesis.
