Picosecond quantum-classical dynamics reveals that the coexistence of light-induced microbial and animal chromophore rotary motion modulates the isomerization quantum yield of heliorhodopsin

Abstract

Rhodopsins are light-responsive proteins forming two vast and evolutionary distinct superfamilies whose functions are invariably triggered by the photoisomerization of a single retinal chromophore. In 2018 a third widespread superfamily...

Structural Models of the First Molecular Events in the Heliorhodopsin Photocycle

“…9 More recently, computational work by Olivucci and co-workers showed that the first event in the photoactivation mechanism in both bR and TaHer (a Heliorhodopsin) is better described as an aborted bicyclepedal motion. 10,11 Absorption spectra of natural variants of Heliorhodopsins from various microorganisms have been measured using UV− visible spectroscopy. The absorption maximum wavelength (λ max ) is in the range of 530−556 nm.…”

“…Warshel later revised the model to one in which the isomerization motion involves partial rotation around several bonds, in addition to the main parallel pairs of bonds . More recently, computational work by Olivucci and co-workers showed that the first event in the photoactivation mechanism in both bR and TaHer (a Heliorhodopsin) is better described as an aborted bicycle-pedal motion. , …”