Computational Insights on Crystal Structures of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex of Photosystem II with Either Ca2+ or Ca2+ Substituted by Sr2+

摘要

The oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II can function with either Ca2+ or Sr2+ as the heterocation, but the reason for different turnover rates remains unresolved despite reported X-ray crystal structures for both forms. Using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations, we optimize structures with each cation in both the resting state (S-1) and in a series of reduced states (S-0, S-1, and S-2). Through comparison with experimental data, we determine that the X-ray crystal structures with either Ca2+ or Sr2+ are most consistent with the S-2 state (i.e., Mn-4[III,III,III,II] with O-4 and O-5 protonated). As expected, the QM/MM models show that Ca2+/Sr2+ substitution results in the elongation of the heterocation bonds and the displacement of terminal waters W-3 and W-4. The optimized structures also show that hydrogen-bonded W-5 is displaced in all S states with Sr2+ as the heterocation, suggesting that this water may play a critical role during water oxidation.