Photoelectrochemistry of thylakoid membranes

Abstract A one-compartment three-electrode photoelectrochemical cell, first designed by Allen and Crane and recently modified by Carpentier, was used to study the chronoamperometric behavior of a suspension of thylakoids under saturating light conditions. The experimental results were modeled successfully by considering the processes occurring in the diffusion layer of the electrode. In a different experimental configuration, the thylakoid membranes were electrodeposited onto the electrode. The voltammetric and chronoamperometric curves indicate clearly the role of photosystem II as the photocatalyst of oxygen evolution at the electrode. The use of suitable mediators of electron transfer to the electrode allows evaluation of the sites of interaction of the membranes with the electrode itself.