Effects of Pb2+ on the structure and function of photosystem II of Spirodela polyrrhiza

Lead (Pb(2+)) is a well-known highly toxic element, and Spirodela polyrrhiza is one of the hydrophytes most sensitive to Pb(2+), which might be highly toxic to photosynthesis. However, the mechanism by which Pb(2+) inhibits energy transfer and conversion efficiency remains unclear. Here, we report the effects of Pb(2+) on the secondary structure and function of photosystem II (PS II) of S. polyrrhiza using spectral methods. We found that Pb(2+) accumulated in PS II and damaged its secondary structure, decreased the absorbance of visible light, inhibited energy transfer among amino acids within the PS II protein-pigment complex, and reduced energy transport from tyrosine residue to chlorophyll a. Taken together, Pb(2+) exposure damaged the structure and function of S. polyrrhiza PS II.