Open AccessPhotosynthese und Photorezeption in Halobakterien
Author(s) -
Oesterhelt Dieter
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
berichte der bunsengesellschaft für physikalische chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0005-9021
DOI - 10.1002/bbpc.19961001203
Subject(s) - bacteriorhodopsin , phototaxis , photobiology , chemistry , biophysics , photosynthesis , biochemistry , biology , botany , membrane
The photobiology of Halobacteria is reviewed here. Furthermore, the functions of halobacterial retinal proteins as ion pumps for photosynthesis and as sensors mediating phototaxis are described. The well‐characterized transport mechanism of bacteriorhodopsin allows the suggestion of a general functional model of all halobacterial retinal proteins due to their structural similarities. Experimental findings showing the respective interconversions of proton‐ and chloride (halide)‐pumps, of outward‐directed to inward‐directed pumps and of sensors to pumps confirm this model. From these findings a general concept of ion translocation is derived and described as the “IST” model.