This project, which is supported by the Chemistry of Life Processes Program and the Biophysics Program, combines ultrafast spectroscopy, mutant generation and characterization, and pigment protein biochemistry to build a detailed picture of the dynamics of light harvesting. The project will also address the primary charge separation step in bacterial reaction centers. Current methods of membrane biochemistry, and genetic selection will be exploited to simplify and modify a photosynthetic apparatus for detailed spectroscopic studies. State-of-the-art ultrafast spectroscopic techniques will be used to study excitation energy transfer in the antenna systems of chloroplasts and in the reaction centers of photosynthetic bacteria. Site directed mutagenesis will be performed so that the influence of specific protein residues on the charge separation may be examined.
