Assessing the operational feasibility of ‘Z-scheme electron transport chain’ in chloroplasts
Kelath Murali Manoj, Daniel Andrew Gideon, Vivian David Jacob, Afsal Manekkathodi
Abstract
We summarize salient components of the Z-Scheme electron transport chain within chloroplasts. Banking on the skepticism kindled by Robert Emerson’s reproducible observations, we explore the working of its various elements using updated information on the distribution of components within the chloroplast architecture, structure-function correlations of relevant redox proteins, thermodynamics, kinetics, and evolutionary principles. Through a set of simple models/simulations and a series of intriguing queries, we moot several theoretical premises and highlight evidences/arguments that question the physiological feasibility of Z-scheme. Finally, we also point to new avenues for furthering research in this field.