Recent pulsed EPR studies of the Photosystem II oxygen-evolving complex: Implications as to water oxidation mechanisms

R. David Britt, Kristy A. Campbell, Jeffrey M. Peloquin, M. Lane Gilchrist, Constantino P. Aznar, Michelle M. Dicus, John Robblee, Johannes Messinger

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

213 Scopus citations

Abstract

The pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods of electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) and electron spin echo-electron nuclear double resonance (ESE-ENDOR) are used to investigate the structure of the Photosystem II oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), including the paramagnetic manganese cluster and its immediate surroundings. Recent unpublished results from the pulsed EPR laboratory at UC-Davis are discussed, along with aspects of recent publications, with a focus on substrate and cofactor interactions. New data on the proximity of exchangeable deuterons around the Mn cluster poised in the S 0-state are presented and interpreted. These pulsed EPR results are used in an evaluation of several recently proposed mechanisms for PSII water oxidation. We strongly favor mechanistic models where the substrate waters bind within the OEC early in the S-state cycle. Models in which the O-O bond is formed by a nucleophilic attack by a Ca2+-bound water on a strong S4-state electrophile provide a good match to the pulsed EPR data.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)158-171
Number of pages14
JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta - Bioenergetics
Volume1655
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 12 Apr 2004

Keywords

  • CHL
  • Chlorophyll
  • Continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance
  • CW EPR
  • DCMU
  • Dichlorophenyldimethyl urea
  • Electron nuclear double resonance
  • Electron spin echo
  • ENDOR
  • ESE
  • ESEEM
  • Multiline EPR signal
  • S-state
  • Substrate water binding

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Recent pulsed EPR studies of the Photosystem II oxygen-evolving complex: Implications as to water oxidation mechanisms'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this