Efficiency of energy funneling in the photosystem II supercomplex of higher plants

摘要: The investigation of energy transfer properties in photosynthetic multi-protein networks gives insight into their underlying design principles. Here, we discuss the excitonic mechanisms photosystem II (PS-II) C2S2M2 supercomplex, which is largest isolated functional unit apparatus higher plants. Despite lack a definite gradient C2S2M2, show that directed by relaxation to low states. not organized form pathways with strict energetically downhill transfer, has direct consequences for efficiency, and limiting steps. exciton dynamics sensitive small changes energetic layout which, instance, are induced reorganization vibrational coordinates. In order incorporate process our numerical simulations, go beyond rate equations use hierarchically coupled equation motion approach (HEOM). While from peripheral antenna proteins proximity reaction center occurs on faster time scale, final step RC core rather slow, thus chain. Our findings suggest structure PS-II supercomplex guarantees photoprotection than optimized efficiency.