Photosystem- II functions as a light dependent water plastoquinone oxi...
Photosystem II (PSII) is a complex protein structure found in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts in plants, algae, and some bacteria. It is responsible for capturing light energy and initiating the process of photosynthesis. PSII consists of several subunits, including two reaction center proteins that bind electron transfer prosthetic groups.
The two reaction center proteins in PSII that bind electron transfer prosthetic groups are D1 and D2. These proteins are encoded by the psbA and psbD genes, respectively. D1 and D2 form the core of the PSII complex and are essential for its function.
The electron transfer prosthetic groups that bind to D1 and D2 include P680, pheophytin, and plastoquinone. P680 is a chlorophyll molecule that acts as the primary electron donor in PSII. It absorbs light energy and transfers an excited electron to pheophytin, a closely associated molecule. Pheophytin then passes the electron to plastoquinone, which is a mobile electron carrier in the thylakoid membrane.
The binding of P680, pheophytin, and plastoquinone to D1 and D2 allows for the transfer of electrons through a series of redox reactions. These reactions ultimately result in the generation of ATP and the production of NADPH, which are both important energy carriers in photosynthesis.
In summary, D1 and D2 are the two reaction center proteins in PSII that bind electron transfer prosthetic groups such as P680, pheophytin, and plastoquinone. These proteins play a crucial role in capturing light energy and initiating the transfer of electrons in the process of photosynthesis.