Oxidation of Q super(-) sub(A) and of Q super(-) sub(B) of photosynthetic reaction centers by an artificial acceptor

Bacterial reaction centers and photosystem II particles reduce N,N,N'N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine with a rate constant that depends on the state of the acceptor complex. The authors assume interference by detergent to explain the dissimilar behavior of the two types of material. Using this assumption, the authors summarize: Q super(-) sub(A) (with an empty Q sub(B) site) is more reactive than Q super(-) sub(A) multiplied by X (with an occupied Q sub(B) site; X = quinone, herbicide, or, they assume, detergent). Q super(-) sub(A) multiplied by X is more reactive than Q sub(A) multiplied by sub(B).