Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2004;80(1-3):277-91.
doi: 10.1023/B:PRES.0000030425.69092.4f.

The Isolation of a Functional Cytochrome b (6) f Complex: from Lucky Encounter to Rewarding Experiences

Affiliations

The Isolation of a Functional Cytochrome b (6) f Complex: from Lucky Encounter to Rewarding Experiences

Günter Hauska. Photosynth Res. 2004.

Abstract

The recognition that, in photosynthesis, the plastoquinol oxidizing cytochrome b (6f ) complex resembles the ubiquinol oxidizing cytochrome bc1 complex in respiration is one of the examples of exciting universalization in biological research. A peripheral observation towards the end of 1979 initiated an intensive investigation, which is still ongoing today: next to the ATP synthase the cytochrome b (6f ) complex could be selectively solubilized from the chloroplast membrane by the combined action of octyl glucoside and cholate. It was mere luck that the isolate was substantially active as an electrogenic, proton translocating plastoquinol-plastocyanin oxidoreductase, and that it also catalyzed oxidant-induced reduction of cytochrome b (6), a signature of the Q-cycle mechanism. The basic findings during the first characterization of the complex are summarized, and the excitement among the collaborating groups is remembered. More recent developments, including the impact of gene technology and the elucidation by the crystal structure, are additionally traced here.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Photosynth Res. 2004;80(1-3):223-43 - PubMed
    1. Annu Rev Biochem. 1997;66:863-917 - PubMed
    1. Photosynth Res. 1994 Feb;39(2):163-74 - PubMed
    1. FEBS Lett. 1999 Dec 10;463(1-2):97-102 - PubMed
    1. Planta. 1968 Jun;79(2):146-61 - PubMed