Mechanistic reappraisal of early stage photochemistry in the light-driven enzyme protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 7; no. 9; p. e45642
• Main Authors: Heyes, Derren J, Hardman, Samantha J O, Mansell, David, Gardiner, John M, Scrutton, Nigel S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 26.09.2012; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Biochemistry; Biology; Biosynthesis; Biotechnology; Buffers; Catalysis; Chemistry; Chlorophyll; Dimerization; Dimers; Energy transfer; Enzymes; Escherichia coli - metabolism; Excitation; Health aspects; Lasers; Light; NADP - chemistry; Oxidoreductase; Oxidoreductases; Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors - chemistry; Photochemicals; Photochemistry; Photochemistry - methods; Photoreduction; Physiological aspects; Pigmentation; Pigments; Protochlorophyllide; Protochlorophyllide - chemistry; Protons; Reduction; Science; Solvents; Solvents - chemistry; Species; Spectrometry, Fluorescence - methods; Spectrophotometry - methods; Spectroscopy; Studies; Synechococcus - metabolism; Time Factors; United Kingdom > UK

The light-driven enzyme protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) catalyzes the reduction of protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) to chlorophyllide (Chlide). This reaction is a key step in the biosynthesis of chlorophyll. Ultrafast photochemical processes within the Pchlide molecule are required for catalys...