An atypical psbA gene encodes a sentinel D1 protein to form a physiologically relevant inactive photosystem II complex in cyanobacteria

Kimberly M. Wegener, Aparna Nagarajan, Himadri B. Pakrasi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Unicellular cyanobacteria separate photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation using a day-night cycle. Results: Cyanothece 51142 expresses a D1 protein exclusively in the dark period that assembles nonfunctional photosystem II. Conclusion: The unusual D1 is named sentinel D1 because it prevents photosynthesis from occurring during nitrogen fixation. Significance: Expression of sentinel D1 allows photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation to coexist in the cell.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3764-3774
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
Volume290
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 6 2015

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