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The Z-Scheme of Electron Transport in Photosynthesis01:34

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Updated: Aug 6, 2025

Separation of Spinach Thylakoid Protein Complexes by Native Green Gel Electrophoresis and Band Characterization using Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting
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Photosynthesis re-wired on the pico-second timescale.

Tomi K Baikie1, Laura T Wey2,3, Joshua M Lawrence2,4

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Scientists have successfully extracted electrons directly from photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII) in live cells. This breakthrough in photosynthesis research opens new possibilities for biohybrid energy technologies.

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Area of Science:

  • Photosynthesis research
  • Bioenergetics
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Photosystems II and I (PSII, PSI) are crucial for photosynthesis, driving water oxidation and electron energization.
  • Current research aims to 're-wire' photosynthesis for enhanced efficiency and novel applications like H₂ evolution.
  • Previous methods focused on charge extraction at terminal acceptors, limiting thermodynamic gains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the possibility of early electron extraction directly from photoexcited reaction centers of PSI and PSII.
  • To challenge the long-held belief that reaction centers are inaccessible within the photosystem structure.
  • To explore new avenues for manipulating photosynthetic processes for biotechnological applications.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized in vivo ultrafast transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy.
  • Employed live cyanobacterial cells and isolated photosystems.
  • Used exogenous electron mediators like 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) and methyl viologen.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated successful extraction of electrons from photoexcited PSI and PSII.
  • Achieved electron extraction at early stages, several picoseconds post-photo-excitation.
  • Postulated that mediators oxidize peripheral chlorophyll pigments in delocalized charge-transfer states.

Conclusions:

  • The study challenges existing models of photosystem insulation.
  • Early electron extraction from photosystems is feasible.
  • Opens new avenues for studying and re-wiring photosynthesis for biotechnologies and semi-artificial photosynthesis.