Identification of Fourier transform infrared signals from the non-heme iron in photosystem II.

Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) signals originating from a high-potential electron acceptor in PS II were studied by flash-induced FTIR difference spectroscopy. Redox titration of these signals using ferri-ferrocyanide mixtures showed midpoint potentials (Em) of 489 +/- 12 and 426 +/- 9 mV at pH 5.5 and 6.5, respectively, revealing a pH dependence of about -60 mV/pH unit. These Em values and pH dependence were in good agreement with those of the non-heme iron, so-called Q400, located between QA and QB. This indicates that the observed FTIR signals are due to changes in ligands of the non-heme iron and surrounding protein moieties induced on photoreduction from Fe3+ to Fe2+.