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A W Rutherford

Publications and source records attributed to A W Rutherford.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Reaction center photochemistry of Heliobacterium chlorum.

Reaction center photochemistry in Heliobacterium chlorum has been investigated by using EPR and flash absorption spectroscopy at low temperatures. The following results were obtained. At 5 K, in the presence of ascorbate, continuous illumination resulted in the formation of P798+ and a reduced iron-sulfur center designated FB (gz = 2.07, gy = 1.93, gx = 1.89). This state was stable at low temperatures, but the yield for this reaction was low, and it was estimated that it occurred only in about 3% of the centers upon the first flash. After continuous illumination of a dilute sample for 10 min, still only half of the centers attained this state. In most centers, flash excitation at 5 K produced a state which recombined with time constants of 2.5 ms (congruent to 80%) and 850 microseconds (congruent to 20%). These two phases were differently influenced by the redox state of the reaction center, indicating that two different acceptors were involved in the recombination reactions. When continuous illumination was given at 200 K, a second center, designated FA, was additionally reduced (gz = 2.05, gy = 1.95, gx = 1.90). High concentrations of dithionite resulted in the chemical reduction of FB and of most of FA; illumination at 200 K resulted in the further reduction of FA. Two triplet states were identified by EPR and optical spectroscopy. The amplitude of the narrower triplet (magnitude of D = 226 x 10(-4) cm-1) varied with the redox state of the iron-sulfur centers and was influenced by a component thought to be a quinone undergoing double reduction. It correlated with a triplet state observed by flash absorption spectroscopy showing a bleaching at 798 nm and is attributed to a triplet state formed by charge recombination in the reaction center. Its narrowness is taken as an indication of its origin on a pair of bacteriochlorophylls, and its orientation indicates an orientation of the chlorophyll ring plane perpendicular to the membrane plane. The second triplet had a wider splitting (magnitude of D = 242 x 10(-4) cm-1), did not vary systematically with redox conditions, corresponds to an optical spectrum with a maximum at 812 nm, and is not ordered in the membrane. It was thus attributed to a triplet located on a BChl g monomer in the antenna. The reaction center photochemistry in H. chlorum is comparable in many respects to that of photosystem I and green sulfur bacteria. Earlier contrasting conclusions are discussed and rationalized in light of the present results.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1990

Factors influencing the formation of modified S2 EPR signal and the S3 EPR signal in Ca(2+)-depleted photosystem II.

NaCl/EGTA-washing of photosystem II (PS-II) results in the removal of Ca2+ and the inhibition of oxygen evolution. Two new EPR signals were observed in such samples: a stable and modified S2 multiline signal and an S3 signal [(1989) Biochemistry 28, 8984-8989]. Here, we report what factors are responsible for the modifications of the S2 signal and the observation of the S3 signal. The following results were obtained. (i) The stable, modified, S2 multiline signal can be induced by the addition of high concentrations of EGTA or citrate to PS-II membranes which are already inhibited by Ca(2+)-depletion. (ii) The carboxylic acids act in the S3-state, are much less effective in S2 and have no effect in the S1-state. (iii) The extrinsic polypeptides (17- and 23-kDa) are not required to observe either the modified S2 signal or the S3 signal. However, they do influence the splitting and the lifetime of the S3 signal, and they seem to have a slight influence on the hyperfine pattern of the S2 signal. (iv) The S3 signal can be observed in Ca(2+)-depleted PS-II which does not exhibit the modified multiline signal. Then, it is proposed that formation of histidine radical during the S2 to S3 transition in Ca(2+)-depleted PS-II [(1990) Nature 347, 303-306] also occurs in functional PS-II.

Calcium↗
PubMed1990

Photosynthetic reaction center of green sulfur bacteria studied by EPR.

Membrane preparations of two species of the green sulfur bacteria Chlorobium have been studied by EPR. Three signals were detected which were attributed to iron-sulfur centers acting as electron acceptors in the photosynthetic reaction center. (1) A signal from a center designated FB, (gz = 2.07, gy = 1.91, gx = 1.86) was photoinduced at 4 K. (2) A similar signal, FA (gz = 2.05, gy = 1.94, gx = 1.88), was photoinduced in addition to the FB signal upon a short period of illumination at 200 K. (3) Further illumination at 200 K resulted in the appearance of a broad feature at g = 1.78. This is attributed to the gx component of an iron-sulfur center designated FX. The designations of these signals as FB, FA, and FX are based on their spectroscopic similarities to signals in photosystem I (PS I). The orientation dependence of these EPR signals in ordered Chlorobium membrane multilayers is remarkably similar to that of their PS I homologues. A magnetic interaction between the reduced forms of FB and FA occurs, which is also very similar to that seen in PS I. However, in contrast to the situation in PS I, FA and FB cannot be chemically reduced by sodium dithionite at pH 11. This indicates redox potentials for FA and FB which are lower by at least 150 mV than their PS I counterparts. The triplet state of P840, the primary electron donor, could be photoinduced at 4 K in samples which had been preincubated with sodium dithionite and methyl viologen and then preilluminated at 200 K.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1990

Interaction of ammonia with the water splitting enzyme of photosystem II.

The effects of NH3 on the oxygen evolving enzyme have been investigated with EPR and steady-state O2 evolution. The following results were obtained. At low light intensity O2 evolution occurs in all centers even though ammonia is bound. This binding occurs in the S2 state and results in a modification of the multiline signal as reported earlier. However, the oscillations with flash number of the amplitude of the EPR signal are virtually unaffected, indicating that NH3 binding does not prevent S-state advancement. Inhibition of O2 evolution by NH3 measured at light intensities that are nearly saturating for untreated photosystem II is interpreted as being due to a slow down in the rate of S-state cycling. At very high light intensities NH3 is not able to inhibit oxygen evolution presumably because NH3 binding is S state dependent and the susceptible S state (S2) is turned over too quickly. NH3 binding resulting in the modified multiline signal does not occur in S1. When S1 is formed from fully NH3 modified S2 by deactivation or by three further flashes, the S1 state does not have NH3 bound. NH3 thus dissociates easily from S1. Earlier reports of NH3 binding in S1 may be explained by the observation that NH3 binding can occur upon incubation of samples in S2 at temperatures as low as 198 K. Evidence is obtained for an NH3 binding occurring slowly (30 s) in S3. This binding results in a block in S-state advancement as suggested earlier [Velthuys, B. R. (1975) Thesis, University of Leiden]. The results are interpreted in two possible models: (1) NH3 binding in S2 occurs in a substrate site, but it is rapidly exchanged by water upon S4 formation. (2) NH3 binding in S2 is not in a substrate site but instead in a structural site and remains bound while water is oxidized. Inherent in this model is that other NH3 binding sites, i.e., the Cl- site, and the slow NH3 binding site in S3 could be the true substrate sites. Some mechanistic implications are discussed.

Ammonia↗
PubMed1989

EPR signals from modified charge accumulation states of the oxygen evolving enzyme in Ca2+-deficient photosystem II.

Photosystem II enriched membranes were depleted of Ca2+ and the 17- and 23-kDa polypeptides by treatment with NaCl and EGTA. The 17- and 23-kDa polypeptides were then reconstituted. This preparation was incapable of O2 evolution until Ca2+ was added. An EPR study revealed the presence of two new EPR signals. One of these is a modified S2 multiline signal with an isotropic g value of 1.96 with at least 26 hyperfine peaks (average spacing 55 G) distributed over approximately 1600 G. The other is a near-Gaussian signal with an isotropic g value of 2.004, which is attributed to a formal S3 state. Experiments involving the interconversion of these signals and the effect of Ca2+ and Sr2+ rebinding provide evidence for these assignments. From these results the following conclusions are drawn: (1) These results are consistent with our earlier demonstration that charge accumulation is blocked after formation of S3 when Ca2+ is deficient. (2) Binding of the 17- and 23-kDa polypeptides to photosystem II in the absence of Ca2+ results in the perturbation of the Mn cluster. This is taken as a further indication that the Ca2+-binding site is close to or even an integral part of the Mn cluster. (3) The S3 signal may arise from an organic free radical interacting magnetically with the Mn cluster. However, other possible origins for this signal, including the Mn cluster itself, must also be considered.

Calcium↗
PubMed1989

Characterization of four herbicide-resistant mutants of Rhodopseudomonas viridis by genetic analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance, and optical spectroscopy.

Herbicides of the triazine class block electron transfer in the photosynthetic reaction centers of purple bacteria and PSII of higher plants. They are thought to act by competing with one of the electron acceptors, the secondary quinone, QB, for its binding site. Several mutants of the purple bacterium Rhodopseudomonas viridis resistant to terbutryn [2-(methylthio)-4-(ethylamino)-6-(tert-butylamino)-s-triazine] have been isolated by their ability to grow photosynthetically in the presence of the herbicide. Sequence analysis of the genes coding for the L and M subunits of the reaction center showed that four different mutants were obtained, two of them being double mutated: T1 (SerL223----Ala and ArgL217----His), T3 (PheL216----Ser and ValM263----Phe), T4 (TyrL222----Phe), and T6 (PheL216----Ser). The residues L223 and L216 are involved in binding of QB, whereas L217 and L222 are not. M263 is part of the binding pocket of the primary quinone, QA. The affinity of the reaction centers for terbutryn and the electron transfer inhibitor o-phenanthroline, determined via the biphasic charge recombination after one flash, is decreased for all mutants. The affinity for ubiquinone 9 is also decreased, except in T1. Characterization by EPR spectroscopy showed that the QB.-Fe2+ signal of T4, having a g = 1.93 peak, is different from the signals obtained with the wild type and the other mutants but very similar to those of Rhodospirillum rubrum and PSII. The results obtained by the combination of these different techniques are discussed with respect to the three-dimensional structure of the wild type and the mode of binding of ubiquinone, terbutryn, and o-phenanthroline as determined by X-ray structure analysis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Photosystem II, the water-splitting enzyme.

The light-driven water-splitting/oxygen-evolving enzyme remains one of the great enigmas of plant biology. However, due to the recent expansion of research efforts on this enzyme, it is grudgingly giving up some of its secrets.

Chlorophyll↗
PubMed1988

Site-directed mutagenesis in photosystem II of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803: Donor D is a tyrosine residue in the D2 protein.

The chemical nature of electron donor(s) in photosystem II in photosynthetic membranes was analyzed by site-directed mutagenesis of the gene encoding the protein D2 of the photosystem II reaction center. Mutation of the Tyr-160 residue of the D2 protein into phenylalanine results in the disappearance of the electron paramagnetic resonance signal II(S) originating from D(+), the oxidized form of the slow photosystem II electron donor D. Signal II(S) is still present if a neighboring residue in D2, Met-159, is mutated into arginine. Both mutants have normal rereduction kinetics of the oxidized primary electron donor, P680(+), in octyl glucoside-extracted thylakoids, indicating that D is not directly involved in P680(+) reduction. However, overall photosystem II activity appears to be impaired in the Tyr-160-Phe mutant: photosystem II-dependent growth of this mutant is slowed down by a factor of 3-4, whereas photoheterotrophic growth rates in wild type and mutant are essentially identical. Binding studies of diuron, a photosystem II herbicide, show that there is no appreciable decrease in the number of photosystem II centers in the Tyr-160-Phe mutant. The decrease in photosystem II activity in this mutant may be interpreted to indicate a role of D in photoactivation, rather than one as an important redox intermediate in the photosynthetic electron-transport chain.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1986

Genetically engineered mutant of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803 lacks the photosystem II chlorophyll-binding protein CP-47.

CP-47 is absent in a genetically engineered mutant of cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803, in which the psbB gene [encoding the chlorophyll-binding photosystem II (PSII) protein CP-47] was interrupted. Another chlorophyll-binding PSII protein, CP-43, is present in the mutant, and functionally inactive PSII-enriched particles can be isolated from mutant thylakoids. We interpret these data as indicating that the PSII core complex of the mutant still assembles in the absence of CP-47. The mutant lacks a 77 K fluorescence emission maximum at 695 nm, suggesting that the PSII reaction center is not functional. The absence of primary photochemistry was indicated by EPR and optical measurements: no chlorophyll triplet originating from charge recombination between P680(+) and Pheo(-) was observed in the mutant, and there were no flash-induced absorption changes at 820 nm attributable to chlorophyll P680 oxidation. These observations lead us to conclude that CP-47 plays an essential role in the activity of the PSII reaction center.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1984

Charge accumulation and photochemistry in leaves studied by thermoluminescence and delayed light emission.

A major breakthrough in our understanding of how plants oxidize water to molecular O(2) was the discovery by P. Joliot and co-workers that the O(2) yield per flash, in a series of light flashes, oscillates with a periodicity of 4. This led to the concept by B. Kok and co-workers that these reactions involve accumulation of four positive charges in independent "O(2)-evolving centers," which undergo a series of changes in their redox state (the so-called S states). In the present paper, we have applied optical techniques (such as thermoluminescence and delayed light emission, both discovered by W. Arnold and co-workers) to monitor charge storage on the O(2)-evolving system in leaves from higher plants. We observed a period of four oscillations in both thermoluminescence and delayed light emission, with maxima on flashes 2 and 6, establishing a relationship with the charge accumulation process in photosynthesis. These measurements provided additional new information: the deactivation of the "O(2)-evolving centers," which cannot be measured by the O(2) method in the leaves, is in the 20- to 30-s range; and in the dark-adapted leaves, the secondary bound plastoquinone molecule (the so-called secondary electron acceptor Q(B)) is in equal concentration in its reduced and oxidized forms. The origin of thermoluminescence and delayed light emission, in terms of the recombination of charges on the O(2)-evolving and plastoquinone sides, is also discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1983

Characterization of Nuclear Mutants of Maize Which Lack the Cytochrome f/b-563 Complex.

Two high fluorescent, nuclear recessive mutants of maize (Zea mays L.), designated hcf-2 and hcf-6, are described which are missing the chloroplast cytochrome f/b-563 complex. Thylakoids from the mutants show a block in whole chain electron transport activity (H(2)O to methyl viologen), while retaining activities associated with photosystem II (H(2)O to phenylenediamine) and photosystem I (diaminodurene to methyl viologen). Chemically induced, optical difference spectra indicate a loss of cytochromes f and b-563. Cytochrome b-559 is present in both high and low potential forms. EPR analyses of thylakoid membranes of hcf-6 reveals the lack of a signal (g = 1.90) associated with the Rieske Fe-S center. Additionally, hcf-6 is lacking EPR signals at g = 6 (attributable to the high spin ferric heme of cytochrome b-563) and g = 2.5 (unidentified). The mutant retains signals at g = 2.9 (cytochrome b-559) and at g = 4.3 and 9 (both signals probably arising from a storage form of ferric iron).Thylakoid polypeptides are examined using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. hcf-2 and hcf-6 have identical profiles, showing losses of polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of 33 (cytochrome f), 23 (cytochrome b-563), and 17.5 kilodaltons. The protein associated with the Rieske Fe-S center could not be determined from the gel profiles. Additionally, both mutants show an increase in a band with a molecular mass of 31 kilodaltons.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1982

Radical pair state in photosystem II.

A stable light-induced EPR signal is reported in photosystem II particles and in chloroplasts at 5 K. Characteristic spectral features indicate that the signal arises from dipole-dipole interactions of a radical pair triplet state. From its dependence on potential, its relationship to the spin-polarized triplet state, and the redox state of the pheophytin acceptor (Ph) and because it is present in Tris-washed chloroplasts but not in untreated chloroplasts, we conclude that the signal is formed when the reaction center is in the state D(+)P(680)Ph(-) (P(680) is the primary chlorophyll donor and D(+) is an oxidized donor to P(680)). The low-temperature photochemical sequence is thought to occur as follows. (i) Donation from D to the P(680) (+)Ph(-) state occurs at liquid helium temperature in low quantum yield; this reaction is reversible at temperatures above 5 K. (ii) In normal chloroplasts, donation occurs to the D(+)P(680)Ph(-) state, but this does not occur in Tris-washed chloroplasts or in the photosystem II particles at 77 K or lower. (iii) Illumination, at 200 K, of photosystem particles or Tris-washed chloroplasts results in donation to the D(+)P(680)Ph(-) state from another donor. From experiments in the absence of redox mediators and the temperatures dependence of the splitting of the signal, it is suggested that the state D(+)P(680)Ph(-) itself may be the origin of the radical pair triplet signal. The signal has been simulated by assuming the presence of at least two distinct radical pairs that differ slightly in the distance separating the radicals of the pairs. The distance between the radicals of the pair is calculated to be 6-7 A.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1981

A light-induced spin-polarized triplet detected by EPR in photosystem II reaction centers.

A light-induced spin-polarized triplet state has been detected in a purified Photosystem II preparation by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy at liquid helium temperature. The electron spin polarization pattern is interpreted to indicate that the triplet originates from radical pair recombination between the oxidized primary donor chlorophyll, P-680+, and the reduced intermediate pheophytin, I-, as has been previously demonstrated in bacterial reaction centers. The dependence of the triplet signal on the redox state of I and the primary acceptor, Q, are consistent with the origin of the triplet signal from the triplet state of P-680. Redox-poising experiments indicate the presence of an endogenous donor (or donors) which operates at 3-5 K and 200 K. The zero field-splitting parameters of the triplet are very similar to those of monomeric chlorophyll a however, this alone does not allow a distinction to be made between monomeric and dimeric structures for P-680.

Chloroplasts↗
PubMed1981

Reaction center triplet states in photosystem I and photosystem II.

A photosystem I (PS I) particle has been prepared by lithium dodecyl sulfate digestion which lacks the acceptor X, and iron-sulfur centers B and A. Illumination of these particles at liquid helium temperature results in the appearance of a light-induced spin-polarized triplet signal observed by EPR. This signal is attributed to the triplet state of P-700, the primary donor, formed by recombination of the light induced radical pair P-700+ A1- (where A1 is the intermediate acceptor). Formation of the triplet does not occur if P-700 is oxidized or if A1 is reduced, prior to the illumination. A comparison of the P-700 triplet with that of P-680, the primary donor of Photosystem II, shows several differences. (1) The P-680 triplet is 1.5 mT (15 G) wider than the P-700 triplet. This is reflected by the zero-field splitting parameters, which indicate that P-700 is a slightly larger species than P-680. The zero-field splitting parameters do not indicate that either P-700 or P-680 are dimeric. (2) The P-700 triplet is induced by red and far-red light, while the P-680 triplet is induced only by red light. (3) The temperature dependences of the P-700 triplet and the P-680 triplet are different.

Chloroplasts↗