Solution to PS 5 #7
Both the Bacterial RC and PSII transfer 2 electrons from a
dimer of chlorophyll molecules (P680, P960) to a quinone when 2 photons
are absorbed. The electron transfer pathway through the two is basically
the same starting with a dimer of chlorophylls, then a pheophytin, then
two quinones. In both the donor special pair is reoxidized between
photons. In the RC the source of electrons is 2xCyt c22+
which transfer the electrons through the C subunit (Cyt c22+
produced when the Cytochrome bf complex accepts the electrons
from quinol) while in PS II the electrons are extracted from H2O
at the Mn4 site. There is significant homology in the core subunits
that bind the special pair, pheophytin and quinones.
Return to Problem Set #5