The photoprotective molecular switch in the photosystem II antenna

We have reviewed the current state of multidisciplinary knowledge of the photoprotective mechanism in the photosystem II antenna underlying non-photochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching (NPQ). The physiological need for photoprotection of photosystem II and the concept of feed-back control of excess light energy are described. The outline of the major component of nonphotochemical quenching, qE, is suggested to comprise four key elements: trigger (ΔpH), site (antenna), mechanics (antenna dynamics) and quencher(s). The current understanding of the identity and role of these qE components is presented. Existing opinions on the involvement of protons, different LHCII antenna complexes, the PsbS protein and different xanthophylls are reviewed. The evidence for LHCII aggregation and macrostructural reorganization of photosystem II and their role in qE are also discussed. The models describing the qE locus in LHCII complexes, the pigments involved and the evidence for structural dynamics within single monomeric antenna complexes are reviewed. We suggest how PsbS and xanthophylls may exert control over qE by controlling the affinity of LHCII complexes for protons with reference to the concepts of hydrophobicity, allostery and hysteresis. Finally, the physics of the proposed chlorophyll–chlorophyll and chlorophyll–xanthophyll mechanisms of energy quenching is explained and discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Photosystem II.

Research highlights
► The photoprotective mechanism in the photosystem II antenna, qE, is reviewed.
► qE comprises four elements: trigger (ΔpH), site (antenna), mechanics and quencher.
► The role of protons, LHCII complexes, the PsbS protein and xanthophylls is reviewed.
► PsbS and xanthophylls are proposed to control qE.
► Alteration of the affinity of LHCII for protons is key for this regulation.