Photosynthetic Megacomplex (IMAGE)

Washington University in St. Louis

Photosynthetic Megacomplex

Caption

The photosynthetic megacomplex from a cyanobacterium, which scientists have managed to isolate in its complete, functioning form, weighs about 6 million Daltons. It has three parts: on top is a light-harvesting antenna complex called a phycobilisome that captures and funnels the energy in sunlight to two reaction centers, Photosystem II (the complex protruding beneath the antenna) and Photosystem I (the complexes to either side Photosystem II). The megacomplex is embedded in a membrane shown as a green carpet. Click the image above for a larger version.

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Haijun Liu

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