The Widely Accepted Model of Primary Photosynthetic Processes in Purple Bacteria Must Be Revised

A. Yu. Borisov

Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119899 Russia; fax: (095) 939-3181; E-mail: ayb@photosyn.genebee.msu.su

Received June 8, 2000; Revision received August 21, 2000

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Using computer simulation, it was found that, at least in case of purple bacteria, the widely accepted model for the primary photosynthetic processes (energy migration to reaction centers and its further trapping) is unable to provide a fully consistent explanation for the available experimental data. Two physical mechanisms suggested in this work are thought to be able to resolve or at least decrease the severity of this problem.

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KEY WORDS: purple bacteria, reaction center, energy migration and trapping

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