Chromatic adaptation of photosynthetic membranes

Science. 2005 Jul 15;309(5733):484-7. doi: 10.1126/science.1110879.

Abstract

Many biological membranes adapt in response to environmental conditions. We investigated how the composition and architecture of photosynthetic membranes of a bacterium change in response to light, using atomic force microscopy. Despite large modifications in the membrane composition, the local environment of core complexes remained unaltered, whereas specialized paracrystalline light-harvesting antenna domains grew under low-light conditions. Thus, the protein mixture in the membrane shows eutectic behavior and can be mimicked by a simple model. Such structural adaptation ensures efficient photon capture under low-light conditions and prevents photodamage under high-light conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Biological
  • Bacterial Chromatophores / chemistry*
  • Bacterial Chromatophores / ultrastructure*
  • Bacteriochlorophylls / analysis
  • Computer Simulation
  • Crystallization
  • Light*
  • Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes / analysis
  • Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Models, Biological
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Photosynthesis*
  • Protein Subunits / analysis
  • Rhodospirillum / chemistry
  • Rhodospirillum / growth & development
  • Rhodospirillum / physiology*
  • Rhodospirillum / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Bacteriochlorophylls
  • Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes
  • Protein Subunits