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How Quantum Coherence Assists Photosynthetic Light Harvesting
J Strümpfer1, M Sener, K Schulten
1Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|July 31, 2012
Summary
Purple bacteria use quantum coherence to enhance light harvesting efficiency. This quantum effect allows pigment molecules to rapidly transfer energy, boosting photosynthesis.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Photosynthesis research
Background:
- Purple bacteria utilize antenna proteins for light harvesting.
- Efficient energy transfer is crucial for photosynthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of quantum coherence in purple bacteria's light harvesting.
- To explain the mechanism of excitation energy transfer.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical perspective on quantum effects in biological systems.
- Analysis of pigment-pigment interactions and energy transfer pathways.
Main Results:
- Quantum coherence facilitates rapid excitation transfer among pigment molecules.
- Coherent energy sharing modifies excited state energies and transition dipoles.
- This process enables efficient engagement of antenna proteins in light capture.
Conclusions:
- Quantum coherence is a key mechanism for high light harvesting efficiency in purple bacteria.
- Understanding these quantum phenomena can inform artificial photosynthesis strategies.
Related Concept Videos
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02:00Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light
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01:22Photosystem II
The multi-protein complex photosystem II (PS II) harvests photons and transfers their energy through its bound pigments to its reaction center, and ultimately to photosystem I (PSI) through the electron transport chain. The pigments responsible for caputirng the light energy in photosystems include chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids.
The pigment molecules are arranged across two photosystem domains — the antenna complex and the reaction center. The main aim of the pigment molecules...
The pigment molecules are arranged across two photosystem domains — the antenna complex and the reaction center. The main aim of the pigment molecules...
01:27Photosystem I
Although structurally similar to photosystem II (PSII), photosystem I (PSI) is has a different electron supplier and electron acceptor.
Both these photosystems work in concert. An excited electron from PSII is relayed to PSI via an electron transport chain in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast, which is comprised of the carrier molecule plastoquinone, the dual-protein cytochrome complex, and plastocyanin. As electrons move between PSII and PSI, they lose energy and must be re-energized...
Both these photosystems work in concert. An excited electron from PSII is relayed to PSI via an electron transport chain in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast, which is comprised of the carrier molecule plastoquinone, the dual-protein cytochrome complex, and plastocyanin. As electrons move between PSII and PSI, they lose energy and must be re-energized...
01:32Photosystems
Photosystems are multiprotein complexes that form the functional units of photosynthesis in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. They are found embedded in the membrane of tiny sac-like structures called thylakoids placed inside the chloroplast.
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Photosystems contain many pigment molecules, such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, arranged in a particular organization across two domains — the antenna complex and the reaction center. The main aim of the pigment molecules...
Functioning of Photosystems
Photosystems contain many pigment molecules, such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, arranged in a particular organization across two domains — the antenna complex and the reaction center. The main aim of the pigment molecules...
01:35Light as Energy
The energy required to carry out photosynthesis is light— typically electromagnetic radiation from the sun. The range of all possible wavelengths is known as the electromagnetic spectrum.
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A photon is a discrete electromagnetic particle or bundle of energy. Photons are characterized by their frequency, wavelength, and amplitude, similar to the properties of a wave. Waves with higher frequencies transmit more energy and have shorter wavelengths than longer wavelengths that transmit less...
Photons
A photon is a discrete electromagnetic particle or bundle of energy. Photons are characterized by their frequency, wavelength, and amplitude, similar to the properties of a wave. Waves with higher frequencies transmit more energy and have shorter wavelengths than longer wavelengths that transmit less...