Abstract
The photosystem I (PSI) forms a multi-subunit complex containing more than one hundred cofactors, which associates light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b complexes (LHCIs) and also binds LHCIIs depending on growth conditions. The PSI drives and regulates linear and cyclic electron transfer reactions. The structure and function of PSI alter drastically but little is elucidated on the molecular mechanism. In this presentation, we will summarize the molecular structure of PSI complex and then propose our working hypothesis how PSI complex is assembled. Our recent result will be presented on assignment of assembly intermediates by using biochemical and protein pulse-labeling approaches and by analyzing assembly mutants. In the end, we will discuss our future project to investigate the molecular mechanism of the assembly of PSI complex.
