Unique photosystems in Acaryochloris marina

Chlorophyll triplet states in thylakoid membranes of Acaryochloris marina. Evidence for a triplet state sitting on the photosystem I primary donor populated by intersystem crossing

Photo-induced triplet states in the thylakoid membranes isolated from the cyanobacterium Acaryocholoris marina, that harbours Chlorophyll (Chl) d as its main chromophore, have been investigated by Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR) and time-resolved Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (TR-EPR). Thylakoids were subjected to treatments aimed at poising the redox state of the terminal electron transfer acceptors and donors of Photosystem II (PSII) and Photosystem I (PSI), respectively. Under ambient redox conditions, four Chl d triplet populations were detectable, identifiable by their characteristic zero field splitting parameters, after deconvolution of the Fluorescence Detected Magnetic Resonance (FDMR) spectra. Illumination in the presence of the redox mediator N,N,N',N'-Tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) and sodium ascorbate at room temperature led to a redistribution of the triplet populations, with T3 (|D|= 0.0245 cm-1, |E|= 0.0042 cm-1) becoming dominant and increasing in intensity with respect to untreated samples. A second triplet population (T4, |D|= 0.0248 cm-1, |E|= 0.0040 cm-1) having an intensity ratio of about 1:4 with respect to T3 was also detectable after illumination in the presence of TMPD and ascorbate. The microwave-induced Triplet-minus-Singlet spectrum acquired at the maximum of the |D|-|E| transition (610 MHz) displays a broad minimum at 740 nm, accompanied by a set of complex spectral features that overall resemble, despite showing further fine spectral structure, the previously reported Triplet-minus-Singlet spectrum attributed to the recombination triplet of PSI reaction centre,3 P 740 [Schenderlein M, Çetin M, Barber J, et al. Spectroscopic studies of the chlorophyll d containing photosystem I from the cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina. Biochim Biophys Acta 1777:1400-1408]. However, TR-EPR experiments indicate that this triplet displays an eaeaea electron spin polarisation pattern which is characteristic of triplet sublevels populated by intersystem crossing rather than recombination, for which an aeeaae polarisation pattern is expected instead. It is proposed that the observed triplet, which leads to the bleaching of the P740 singlet state, sits on the PSI reaction centre.

Tolyporphins-Exotic Tetrapyrrole Pigments in a Cyanobacterium-A Review

Tolyporphins were discovered some 30 years ago as part of a global search for antineoplastic compounds from cyanobacteria. To date, the culture HT-58-2, comprised of a cyanobacterium-microbial consortium, is the sole known producer of tolyporphins. Eighteen tolyporphins are now known-each is a free base tetrapyrrole macrocycle with a dioxobacteriochlorin (14), oxochlorin (3), or porphyrin (1) chromophore. Each compound displays two, three, or four open β-pyrrole positions and two, one, or zero appended C-glycoside (or -OH or -OAc) groups, respectively; the appended groups form part of a geminal disubstitution motif flanking the oxo moiety in the pyrroline ring. The distinct structures and repertoire of tolyporphins stand alone in the large pigments-of-life family. Efforts to understand the cyanobacterial origin, biosynthetic pathways, structural diversity, physiological roles, and potential pharmacological properties of tolyporphins have attracted a broad spectrum of researchers from diverse scientific areas. The identification of putative biosynthetic gene clusters in the HT-58-2 cyanobacterial genome and accompanying studies suggest a new biosynthetic paradigm in the tetrapyrrole arena. The present review provides a comprehensive treatment of the rich science concerning tolyporphins.

Comparative Absorption Dynamics of the Singlet Excited States of Chlorophylls a and d

Transient absorption dynamics of chlorophylls a and d dissolved in tetrahydrofuran was measured by the broadband femtosecond laser pump-probe spectroscopy in a spectral range from 400 to 870 nm. The absorption spectra of the excited S₁ singlet states of chlorophylls a and d were recorded, and the dynamics of the of the Q_y band shift of the stimulated emission (Stokes shift of fluorescence) was determined in a time range from 60 fs to 4 ps. The kinetics of the intramolecular conversion Q_x→Q_y (electronic transition S₂→S₁) was measured; the characteristic relaxation time was 54 ± 3 and 45 ± 9 fs for chlorophylls a and d, respectively.

Theoretical Model of the Far-Red-Light-Adapted Photosystem I Reaction Center of Cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina Using Chlorophyll d and the Effect of Chlorophyll Exchange

A theoretical model of the far-red-light-adapted photosystem I (PSI) reaction center (RC) complex of a cyanobacterium, Acaryochloris marina (AmPSI), was constructed based on the exciton theory and the recently identified molecular structure of AmPSI by Hamaguchi et al. (Nat. Commun., 2021, 12, 2333). A. marina performs photosynthesis under the visible to far-red light (400-750 nm), which is absorbed by chlorophyll d (Chl-d). It is in contrast to the situation of all the other oxygenic photosynthetic processes of cyanobacteria and plants, which contains chlorophyll a (Chl-a) that absorbs only 400-700 nm visible light. AmPSI contains 70 Chl-d, 1 Chl-d^', 2 pheophytin a (Pheo-a), and 12 carotenoids in the currently available structure. A special pair of Chl-d/Chl-d^' acts as the electron donor (P740) and two Pheo-a act as the primary electron acceptor A₀ as the counterparts of P700 and Chl-a, respectively, of Chl-a-type PSIs. The exciton Hamiltonian of AmPSI was constructed considering the excitonic coupling strength and site energy shift of individual pigments using the Poisson-TrESP (P-TrESP) and charge density coupling (CDC) methods. The model was constructed to fit the experimentally measured spectra of absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra during downhill/uphill excitation energy transfer processes. The constructed theoretical model of AmPSI was further compared with the Chl-a-type PSI of Thermosynechococcus elongatus (TePSI), which contains only Chl-a and Chl-a^'. The functional properties of AmPSI and TePSI were further examined by the in silico exchange of Chl-d by Chl-a in the models.

A unique photosystem I reaction center from a chlorophyll d-containing cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina

Photosystem I (PSI) is a large protein supercomplex that catalyzes the light-dependent oxidation of plastocyanin (or cytochrome c₆ ) and the reduction of ferredoxin. This catalytic reaction is realized by a transmembrane electron transfer chain consisting of primary electron donor (a special chlorophyll (Chl) pair) and electron acceptors A₀ , A₁ , and three Fe₄ S₄ clusters, F_X , F_A , and F_B . Here we report the PSI structure from a Chl d-dominated cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina at 3.3 Å resolution obtained by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. The A. marina PSI exists as a trimer with three identical monomers. Surprisingly, the structure reveals a unique composition of electron transfer chain in which the primary electron acceptor A₀ is composed of two pheophytin a rather than Chl a found in any other well-known PSI structures. A novel subunit Psa27 is observed in the A. marina PSI structure. In addition, 77 Chls, 13 α-carotenes, two phylloquinones, three Fe-S clusters, two phosphatidyl glycerols, and one monogalactosyl-diglyceride were identified in each PSI monomer. Our results provide a structural basis for deciphering the mechanism of photosynthesis in a PSI complex with Chl d as the dominating pigments and absorbing far-red light.

The effect of different spectral light quality on the photoinhibition of Photosystem I in intact leaves

Light energy causes damage to Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII). The majority of the previous photoinhibition studies have been conducted with PSII, which shows much larger photoinhibition than PSI; therefore, relatively little is known about the mechanism of PSI photoinhibition so far. A previous report showed that the photoinhibition action spectrum measured with PSI activity of isolated thylakoid is similar to the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll. However, it is known that the extent of PSI photoinhibition is much smaller in vivo compared to in vitro. It is also possible that the different extent of PSII photoinhibition, caused by different spectral light qualities, can affect the photoinhibition of PSI in vivo because PSI receives electrons from PSII. In the present research, to study the effect of light quality and the effect of the extent of PSII photoinhibition on the PSI photoinhibition in vivo, intact leaves were photoinhibited under four different light qualities. The rate coefficient of PSI photoinhibition was significantly higher in blue and red light compared to white light. The rate of PSI photoinhibition at the same photon-exposure was the largest in blue and red light and followed by white and green light. These results support the notion that light absorption by chlorophyll is responsible for the PSI photoinhibition, even in intact leaves. The variation among light colors in the relationships between the extent of photoinhibition of PSII and that of PSI indicate that PSI and PSII are independently photoinhibited with different mechanisms in the early stage of in vivo photoinhibition.

Structure of the far-red light utilizing photosystem I of Acaryochloris marina

Acaryochloris marina is one of the cyanobacterial species that can use far-red light to drive photochemical reactions for oxygenic photosynthesis. Here, we report the structure of A. marina photosystem I (PSI) reaction center, determined by cryo-electron microscopy at 2.58 Å resolution. The structure reveals an arrangement of electron carriers and light-harvesting pigments distinct from other type I reaction centers. The paired chlorophyll, or special pair (also referred to as P740 in this case), is a dimer of chlorophyll d and its epimer chlorophyll d'. The primary electron acceptor is pheophytin a, a metal-less chlorin. We show the architecture of this PSI reaction center is composed of 11 subunits and we identify key components that help explain how the low energy yield from far-red light is efficiently utilized for driving oxygenic photosynthesis.

Energy conservation in photosynthetic microorganisms

Photosynthesis is a biological process of energy conversion from solar radiation to useful organic compounds for the photosynthetic organisms themselves. It, thereby, also plays a role of food production for almost all animals on the Earth. The utilization of photosynthesis as an artificial carbon cycle is also attracting a lot of attention regarding its benefits for human life. Hydrogen and biofuels, obtained from photosynthetic microorganisms, such as microalgae and cyanobacteria, will be promising products as energy and material resources. Considering that the efficiency of bioenergy production is insufficient to replace fossil fuels at present, techniques for the industrial utilization of photosynthesis processes need to be developed intensively. Increase in the efficiency of photosynthesis, the yields of target substances, and the growth rates of algae and cyanobacteria must be subjects for efficient industrialization. Here, we overview the whole aspect of the energy production from photosynthesis to biomass production of various photosynthetic microorganisms.

Far-red light acclimation in diverse oxygenic photosynthetic organisms

Oxygenic photosynthesis has historically been considered limited to be driven by the wavelengths of visible light. However, in the last few decades, various adaptations have been discovered that allow algae, cyanobacteria, and even plants to utilize longer wavelength light in the far-red spectral range. These adaptations provide distinct advantages to the species possessing them, allowing the effective utilization of shade light under highly filtered light environments. In prokaryotes, these adaptations include the production of far-red-absorbing chlorophylls d and f and the remodeling of phycobilisome antennas and reaction centers. Eukaryotes express specialized light-harvesting pigment-protein complexes that use interactions between pigments and their protein environment to spectrally tune the absorption of chlorophyll a. If these adaptations could be applied to crop plants, a potentially significant increase in photon utilization in lower shaded leaves could be realized, improving crop yields.

Photosynthesis at the far-red region of the spectrum in Acaryochloris marina

Acaryochloris marina is an oxygenic cyanobacterium that utilizes far-red light for photosynthesis. It has an expanded genome, which helps in its adaptability to the environment, where it can survive on low energy photons. Its major light absorbing pigment is chlorophyll d and it has α-carotene as a major carotenoid. Light harvesting antenna includes the external phycobilin binding proteins, which are hexameric rods made of phycocyanin and allophycocyanins, while the small integral membrane bound chlorophyll binding proteins are also present. There is specific chlorophyll a molecule in both the reaction center of Photosystem I (PSI) and PSII, but majority of the reaction center consists of chlorophyll d. The composition of the PSII reaction center is debatable especially the role and position of chlorophyll a in it. Here we discuss the photosystems of this bacterium and its related biology.

Formyl group modification of chlorophyll a: a major evolutionary mechanism in oxygenic photosynthesis

We discuss recent advances in chlorophyll research in the context of chlorophyll evolution and conclude that some derivations of the formyl side chain arrangement of the porphyrin ring from that of the Chl a macrocycle can extend the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) of these molecules, for example, Chl d and Chl f absorb light in the near-infrared region, up to ∼750 nm. Derivations such as this confer a selective advantage in particular niches and may, therefore, be beneficial for photosynthetic organisms thriving in light environments with particular light signatures, such as red- and near-far-red light-enriched niches. Modelling of formyl side chain substitutions of Chl a revealed yet unidentified but theoretically possible Chls with a distinct shift of light absorption properties when compared to Chl a.

Chlorophyll a fluorescence induction: a personal perspective of the thermal phase, the J-I-P rise

The fast (up to 1 s) chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence induction (FI) curve, measured under saturating continuous light, has a photochemical phase, the O-J rise, related mainly to the reduction of Q(A), the primary electron acceptor plastoquinone of Photosystem II (PSII); here, the fluorescence rise depends strongly on the number of photons absorbed. This is followed by a thermal phase, the J-I-P rise, which disappears at subfreezing temperatures. According to the mainstream interpretation of the fast FI, the variable fluorescence originates from PSII antenna, and the oxidized Q(A) is the most important quencher influencing the O-J-I-P curve. As the reaction centers of PSII are gradually closed by the photochemical reduction of Q(A), Chl fluorescence, F, rises from the O level (the minimal level) to the P level (the peak); yet, the relationship between F and [Q(A) (-)] is not linear, due to the presence of other quenchers and modifiers. Several alternative theories have been proposed, which give different interpretations of the O-J-I-P transient. The main idea in these alternative theories is that in saturating light, Q(A) is almost completely reduced already at the end of the photochemical phase O-J, but the fluorescence yield is lower than its maximum value due to the presence of either a second quencher besides Q(A), or there is an another process quenching the fluorescence; in the second quencher hypothesis, this quencher is consumed (or the process of quenching the fluorescence is reversed) during the thermal phase J-I-P. In this review, we discuss these theories. Based on our critical examination, that includes pros and cons of each theory, as well mathematical modeling, we conclude that the mainstream interpretation of the O-J-I-P transient is the most credible one, as none of the alternative ideas provide adequate explanation or experimental proof for the almost complete reduction of Q(A) at the end of the O-J phase, and for the origin of the fluorescence rise during the thermal phase. However, we suggest that some of the factors influencing the fluorescence yield that have been proposed in these newer theories, as e.g., the membrane potential ΔΨ, as suggested by Vredenberg and his associates, can potentially contribute to modulate the O-J-I-P transient in parallel with the reduction of Q(A), through changes at the PSII antenna and/or at the reaction center, or, possibly, through the control of the oxidation-reduction of the PQ-pool, including proton transfer into the lumen, as suggested by Rubin and his associates. We present in this review our personal perspective mainly on our understanding of the thermal phase, the J-I-P rise during Chl a FI in plants and algae.

Biofilm growth and near-infrared radiation-driven photosynthesis of the chlorophyll d-containing cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina

The cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina is the only known phototroph harboring chlorophyll (Chl) d. It is easy to cultivate it in a planktonic growth mode, and A. marina cultures have been subject to detailed biochemical and biophysical characterization. In natural situations, A. marina is mainly found associated with surfaces, but this growth mode has not been studied yet. Here, we show that the A. marina type strain MBIC11017 inoculated into alginate beads forms dense biofilm-like cell clusters, as in natural A. marina biofilms, characterized by strong O(2) concentration gradients that change with irradiance. Biofilm growth under both visible radiation (VIS, 400 to 700 nm) and near-infrared radiation (NIR, ∼700 to 730 nm) yielded maximal cell-specific growth rates of 0.38 per day and 0.64 per day, respectively. The population doubling times were 1.09 and 1.82 days for NIR and visible light, respectively. The photosynthesis versus irradiance curves showed saturation at a photon irradiance of E(k) (saturating irradiance) >250 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1) for blue light but no clear saturation at 365 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1) for NIR. The maximal gross photosynthesis rates in the aggregates were ∼1,272 μmol O(2) mg Chl d(-1) h(-1) (NIR) and ∼1,128 μmol O(2) mg Chl d(-1) h(-1) (VIS). The photosynthetic efficiency (α) values were higher in NIR-irradiated cells [(268 ± 0.29) × 10(-6) m(2) mg Chl d(-1) (mean ± standard deviation)] than under blue light [(231 ± 0.22) × 10(-6) m(2) mg Chl d(-1)]. A. marina is well adapted to a biofilm growth mode under both visible and NIR irradiance and under O(2) conditions ranging from anoxia to hyperoxia, explaining its presence in natural niches with similar environmental conditions.

Excitation energy transfer in intact cells and in the phycobiliprotein antennae of the chlorophyll d containing cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina

The cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina is unique because it mainly contains Chlorophyll d (Chl d) in the core complexes of PS I and PS II instead of the usually dominant Chl a. Furthermore, its light harvesting system has a structure also different from other cyanobacteria. It has both, a membrane-internal chlorophyll containing antenna and a membrane-external phycobiliprotein (PBP) complex. The first one binds Chl d and is structurally analogous to CP43. The latter one has a rod-like structure consisting of three phycocyanin (PC) homohexamers and one heterohexamer containing PC and allophycocyanin (APC). In this paper, we give an overview on the investigations of excitation energy transfer (EET) in this PBP-light-harvesting system and of charge separation in the photosystem II (PS II) reaction center of A. marina performed at the Technische Universität Berlin. Due to the unique structure of the PBP antenna in A. marina, this EET occurs on a much shorter overall time scale than in other cyanobacteria. We also briefly discuss the question of the pigment composition in the reaction center (RC) of PS II and the nature of the primary donor of the PS II RC.

Intra-leaf gradients of photoinhibition induced by different color lights: implications for the dual mechanisms of photoinhibition and for the application of conventional chlorophyll fluorometers

• We studied how different color lights cause gradients of photoinhibition within a leaf, to attempt to resolve the controversy of whether photon absorption by chlorophyll or by manganese (Mn) is the primary cause of photoinhibition, as suggested by the excess-energy hypothesis or the two-step hypothesis, respectively. • Lincomycin-treated leaf discs were photoinhibited by white, blue, green or red light. Combining a microfiber fluorometer, a fiber-thinning technique and a micro-manipulator enabled us to measure the chlorophyll fluorescence signals within a leaf. Photoinhibition gradients were also compared with results from various conventional fluorometers to estimate their depth of signal detection. • The severity of photoinhibition was in the descending order of blue, red and green light near the adaxial surface, and in the descending order of blue, green and red light in the deeper tissue, which correlated with the chlorophyll and the Mn absorption spectrums, respectively. These results cannot be explained by either hypothesis alone. • These data strongly suggest that both the excess-energy and the two-step mechanisms occur in photoinhibition, and fluorometers with red or blue measuring light give overestimated or underestimated F(v)/F(m) values of photoinhibited leaves compared with the whole tissue average, respectively; that is, they measured deeper or shallower leaf tissue, respectively.

Optical properties, excitation energy and primary charge transfer in photosystem II: theory meets experiment

In this review we discuss structure-function relationships of the core complex of photosystem II, as uncovered from analysis of optical spectra of the complex and its subunits. Based on descriptions of optical difference spectra including site directed mutagenesis we propose a revision of the multimer model of the symmetrically arranged reaction center pigments, described by an asymmetric exciton Hamiltonian. Evidence is provided for the location of the triplet state, the identity of the primary electron donor, the localization of the cation and the secondary electron transfer pathway in the reaction center. We also discuss the stationary and time-dependent optical properties of the CP43 and CP47 subunits and the excitation energy transfer and trapping-by-charge-transfer kinetics in the core complex.

An overview on chlorophylls and quinones in the photosystem I-type reaction centers

Minor but key chlorophylls (Chls) and quinones in photosystem (PS) I-type reaction centers (RCs) are overviewed in regard to their molecular structures. In the PS I-type RCs, the prime-type chlorophylls, namely, bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a' in green sulfur bacteria, BChl g' in heliobacteria, Chl a' in Chl a-type PS I, and Chl d' in Chl d-type PS I, function as the special pairs, either as homodimers, (BChl a')(2) and (BChl g')(2) in anoxygenic organisms, or heterodimers, Chl a/a' and Chl d/d' in oxygenic photosynthesis. Conversions of BChl g to Chl a and Chl a to Chl d take place spontaneously under mild condition in vitro. The primary electron acceptors, A (0), are Chl a-derivatives even in anoxygenic PS I-type RCs. The secondary electron acceptors are naphthoquinones, whereas the side chains may have been modified after the birth of cyanobacteria, leading to succession from menaquinone to phylloquinone in oxygenic PS I.

Purification and characterization of cytochrome c(6) from Acaryochloris marina

Cytochrome c(6), (cyt c(6)) a soluble monoheme electron transport protein, was isolated and characterized from the chlorophyll d-containing cyanobacterium Acaryochoris marina, the type strain MBIC11017. The protein was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange and gel filtration column chromatography, and fast performance liquid chromatography. Its molecular mass and pI have been determined to be 8.87 kDa and less than 4.2, respectively, by mass spectrometry and isoelectrofocusing (IEF). The protein has an alpha helical structure as indicated by CD (circular dichroism) spectroscopy and a reduction midpoint potential (E(m)) of +327 mV versus the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) as determined by redox potentiometry. Its potential role in electron transfer processes is discussed.

Omega-3 fatty acids are oxygenated at the n-7 carbon by the lipoxygenase domain of a fusion protein in the cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina

Lipoxygenases (LOX) are found in most organisms that contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, usually existing as individual genes although occasionally encoded as a fusion protein with a catalase-related hemoprotein. Such a fusion protein occurs in the cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina and herein we report the novel catalytic activity of its LOX domain. The full-length protein and the C-terminal LOX domain were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the catalytic activities characterized by UV, HPLC, GC-MS, and CD. All omega-3 polyunsaturates were oxygenated by the LOX domain at the n-7 position and with R stereospecificity: alpha-linolenic and the most abundant fatty acid in A. marina, stearidonic acid (C18.4omega3), are converted to the corresponding 12R-hydroperoxides, eicosapentaenoic acid to its 14R-hydroperoxide, and docosahexaenoic acid to its 16R-hydroperoxide. Omega-6 polyunsaturates were oxygenated at the n-10 position, forming 9R-hydroperoxy-octadecadienoic acid from linoleic acid and 11R-hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid from arachidonic acid. The metabolic transformation of stearidonic acid by the full-length fusion protein entails its 12R oxygenation with subsequent conversion by the catalase-related domain to a novel allene epoxide, a likely precursor of cyclopentenone fatty acids or other signaling molecules (Gao et al, J. Biol. Chem. 284:22087-98, 2009). Although omega-3 fatty acids and lipoxygenases are of widespread occurrence, this appears to be the first description of a LOX-catalyzed oxygenation that specifically utilizes the terminal pentadiene of omega-3 fatty acids.

Evidence for an ionic intermediate in the transformation of fatty acid hydroperoxide by a catalase-related allene oxide synthase from the Cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina

Allene oxides are reactive epoxides biosynthesized from fatty acid hydroperoxides by specialized cytochrome P450s or by catalase-related hemoproteins. Here we cloned, expressed, and characterized a gene encoding a lipoxygenase-catalase/peroxidase fusion protein from Acaryochloris marina. We identified novel allene oxide synthase (AOS) activity and a by-product that provides evidence of the reaction mechanism. The fatty acids 18.4omega3 and 18.3omega3 are oxygenated to the 12R-hydroperoxide by the lipoxygenase domain and converted to the corresponding 12R,13-epoxy allene oxide by the catalase-related domain. Linoleic acid is oxygenated to its 9R-hydroperoxide and then, surprisingly, converted approximately 70% to an epoxyalcohol identified spectroscopically and by chemical synthesis as 9R,10S-epoxy-13S-hydroxyoctadeca-11E-enoic acid and only approximately 30% to the 9R,10-epoxy allene oxide. Experiments using oxygen-18-labeled 9R-hydroperoxide substrate and enzyme incubations conducted in H2(18)O indicated that approximately 72% of the oxygen in the epoxyalcohol 13S-hydroxyl arises from water, a finding that points to an ionic intermediate (epoxy allylic carbocation) during catalysis. AOS and epoxyalcohol synthase activities are mechanistically related, with a reacting intermediate undergoing a net hydrogen abstraction or hydroxylation, respectively. The existence of epoxy allylic carbocations in fatty acid transformations is widely implicated although for AOS reactions, without direct experimental support. Our findings place together in strong association the reactions of allene oxide synthesis and an ionic reaction intermediate in the AOS-catalyzed transformation.

Functional evolution of photochemical energy transformations in oxygen-producing organisms

Chlorophyll a is the photochemical agent accounting for most oxygenic photosynthesis, that is, over 99.9% of photosynthetic primary activity on Earth. The spectral and energetic properties of chlorophyll a can, at least in part, be rationalised in terms of the solar spectral output and the energetics of oxygen production and carbon dioxide reduction with two photochemical reactions. The long wavelength limit on in vivo chlorophyll a absorption is probably close to the energetic limit: longer wavelengths could not support a high rate and efficiency of oxygenic photosynthesis. Retinal, a β-carotene derivative that is the chromophore of rhodopsin, acts not only as a sensory pigment, but also as an ion-pumping photochemical transducer. Both sensory and energy-transforming rhodopsins occur in oxygenic phototrophs, although the extent of expression and the function of the latter are not well understood.