Abstract
The kinetics of the spectral shift induced in bacteriorhodopsin by low pH are investigated by using the rapid-mixing, stopped-flow technique. The generation of the acid form of the chromophore (A605) occurs in two distinct steps: a fast process (t1/2I = 21 +/- 4 ms) is followed by a much slower reaction (t1/2II = 6 +/- 2 s). The observations are interpreted in terms of neutralization of an acid group in the neighborhood of the retinyl chromophore, the double-staged kinetics being attributed to cooperative effects between chromophores. The method may serve as a tool for studying the kinetics of proton migration across the purple membrane.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 143-145 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Biophysical Journal |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1979 |