Localization and functional characterization of three thylakoid membrane polypeptides of the molecular weight 66000.

Three polypeptide fractions with the apparent molecular weight 66 000 were isolated from stromafreed Antirrhinum chloroplasts which were solubilized with dodecyl sulfate. Antisera to these fractions affect electron transport in distinctly different ways. For the characterization of the three antisera photochemical reactions of chloroplast preparation with artificial electron donors and acceptors as well the analysis of fluorescence rise curves were used. Antiserum 66 000 PSI-96 inhibits electron transport apparently on the acceptor side of photosystem I, provided the antibodies are adsorbed onto the outer surface of the thylakoid membrane. Antiserum 66 000 PSI-88 probably acts directly on the reaction centre I or on its immediate vicinity, if the antibodies are adsorbed at the inner surface of the thylakoid membrane. Antiserum 66 000 PSII-42 inhibits electron transport in the region of photosystem II. The antigen towards which the antiserum is directed appears to belong to the reaction centre II, as also in the condition of high inhibition degrees, the fluorescence intensity remains unchanged. The determinants are located at the outer surface of the thylakoid membrane.