Heat-induced reorganization of the structure of photosystem II membranes: Role of oxygen evolving complex

The sensitivity of the green plants’ photosystem II (PSII) to high temperatures is investigated in PSII enriched membranes and in membranes, from which the oxygen evolving complex is removed. Using steady-state 77 K fluorescence and resonance Raman spectroscopy we analyze the interdependency between the temperature-driven changes in structure and energy distribution in the PSII supercomplex. The results show that the heat treatment induces different reduction of the 77 K fluorescence emission in both types of investigated membranes: (i) an additional considerable decrease of the overall fluorescence emission in Tris-washed membranes as compared to the native membranes; (ii) a transition point at 42 °C, observed only in native membranes; (iii) a sharp reduction of the PSII core fluorescence in Tris-washed membranes at temperatures higher than 50 °C; (iv) a 3 nm red-shift of F700 band’s maximum in Tris-washed membranes already at 20 °C and its further shift by 1 nm at temperature increase. Both treatments intensified their action by increasing the aggregation and dissociation of the peripheral light harvesting complexes. The oxygen-evolving complex, in addition to its main function to produce O2, increases the thermal stability of PSII core by strengthening the connection between the core and the peripheral antenna proteins and by keeping their structural integrity.

► We examine the role of OEC for the thermal stability of PSII subcomplexes.
► Heat affects by different mechanisms the native and OEC-depleted PSII membranes.
► OEC strengthens the link between the core and the peripheral antenna complexes.
► OEC increases the thermal stability of PSII core.