Studies on bacterial chromatophores. II. Energy transfer and photooxidative bleaching of bacteriochlorophyll in relation to structure in normal and carotenoid-depleted Chromatium.

Abstract

Electronic energy transfer, fluorescence emission spectra and photooxidative bleaching of bacteriochlorophyll in Chromatium chromatophores were shown to be affected by detergent action and by inhibition of normal carotenoid synthesis in the parent cells. These phenomena are discussed in relation to the structure of the chromatophore and the state of bacteriochlorophyll in vivo. A structural role for carotenoids is suggested.