Cyclic, pseudocyclic and noncyclic photophosphorylation: new links in the chain

Trends Plant Sci. 2003 Jan;8(1):15-9. doi: 10.1016/s1360-1385(02)00006-7.

Abstract

Photosynthetic electron transport is coupled to ATP synthesis. This process - photosynthetic phosphorylation - proceeds by several alternative electron-transport pathways in isolated chloroplasts. The question: 'Which of these works in real life?' has long occupied students of photosynthesis. Recent results from structural biology and genomics suggest that the answer is 'All of them'. The interplay between the pathways might explain the flexibility of photosynthesis in meeting different metabolic demands for ATP.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / biosynthesis*
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / chemistry
  • Chloroplasts / genetics
  • Chloroplasts / physiology
  • Chloroplasts / radiation effects
  • Diuron / pharmacology
  • Electron Transport / physiology
  • Light
  • Models, Biological
  • Mutation
  • Oxidation-Reduction / radiation effects
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Photophosphorylation / physiology*
  • Photophosphorylation / radiation effects
  • Photosynthesis / drug effects
  • Photosynthesis / physiology*
  • Photosynthesis / radiation effects
  • Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins / chemistry
  • Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins / genetics
  • Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins / metabolism
  • Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins / radiation effects
  • Plants / genetics
  • Plants / metabolism

Substances

  • Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Diuron
  • Oxygen