Energy transfer in photosynthesis: experimental insights and quantitative models

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2006 Feb 21;8(7):793-807. doi: 10.1039/b514032c. Epub 2005 Dec 8.

Abstract

We overview experimental and theoretical studies of energy transfer in the photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes LH1, LH2, and LHCII performed during the past decade since the discovery of high-resolution structure of these complexes. Experimental findings obtained with various spectroscopic techniques makes possible a modelling of the excitation dynamics at a quantitative level. The modified Redfield theory allows a precise assignment of the energy transfer pathways together with a direct visualization of the whole excitation dynamics where various regimes from a coherent motion of delocalized exciton to a hopping of localized excitations are superimposed. In a single complex it is possible to observe the switching between these regimes driven by slow conformational motion (as we demonstrate for LH2). Excitation dynamics under quenched conditions in higher-plant complexes is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Energy Transfer*
  • Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes / physiology
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Photosynthesis*

Substances

  • Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes