Mechanism of the formation of proton transfer pathways in photosynthetic reaction centers

In photosynthetic reaction centers from purple bacteria (PbRCs) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, the secondary quinone QB accepts two electrons and two protons via electron-coupled proton transfer (PT). Here, we identify PT pathways that proceed toward the QB binding site, using a quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical approach. As the first electron is transferred to QB, the formation of the Grotthuss-like pre-PT H-bond network is observed along Asp-L213, Ser-L223, and the distal QB carbonyl O site. As the second electron is transferred, the formation of a low-barrier H-bond is observed between His-L190 at Fe and the proximal QB carbonyl O site, which facilitates the second PT. As QBH2 leaves PbRC, a chain of water molecules connects protonated Glu-L212 and deprotonated His-L190 forms, which serves as a pathway for the His-L190 reprotonation. The findings of the second pathway, which does not involve Glu-L212, and the third pathway, which proceeds from Glu-L212 to His-L190, provide a mechanism for PT commonly used among PbRCs.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the electron and proton transfer process of the secondary quinone QB in photosynthetic reaction centers from purple bacteria, identifying PT pathways involving Grotthuss-like pre-PT H-bond network and low-barrier H-bond formation. The findings also reveal a water molecule chain connecting protonated Glu-L212 and deprotonated His-L190, serving as a pathway for reprotonation of His-L190.