Developing an Essential Research Platform for the Molecular Engineering of Photosystem II

Photosynthesis is critical for life on Earth. The reaction evolved early and resulted in the efficient conversion of sunlight into chemical energy. Unravelling Nature s secrets behind this process are important for humanity as we struggle to develop sustainable energy supplies. Perhaps the most fundamental paradigm in photosynthesis is the mechanism for splitting water into molecular O2. In order to fully understand this mechanism at the molecular level a new model organism is needed. In this proposal a new research platform will be developed for the genetic modification of a Photosystem II. The modifications will enable genetic modification and purification of novel protein function to address key questions of water-splitting in biology