Directed mutagenesis to probe the structure and function of photosystem II

In the last few years various advances have contributed to an increased understanding of Photosystem II (PS II). Most notably, the X-ray diffraction analysis of crystallized bacterial reaction centers, along with the recognition that there is functional and structural homology between the bacterial reaction center and PS II, has led to detailed information regarding the potential function of individual proteins and residues in the PS II complex. In-depth studies of PS II structure and function, however, require the availability of specific mutants in which certain proteins have been altered. Recombinant DNA technology has provided the methodology by which generation of such mutants has become feasible. This minireview focuses on methods for mutagenesis of PS II components and on the impact of mutant analysis on the understanding of PS II structure and function.