The Photosynthetic Reaction Center from the Purple Bacterium Rhodopseudomonas viridis (Nobel Lecture)

In our lecture we first describe the history and methods of membrane protein crystallization, before we show how the structure of the photosynthetic reaction center from the purple bacterium Rhodopseudomonas viridis was solved. The structure of this membrane protein complex is then correlated with its function as a light‐driven electron pump across the photosynthetic membrane. Finally, we draw conclusions on the structure of the photosystem II reaciton center of plants and discuss the aspects of membrane protein structure. Sections 1 (crystallization), 4 (conclusions on the structure of photosystem II reaction center and evolutionary aspects) and 5 (aspects of membrane protein structure) were presented and written by H. M., sections 2 (determination of the structure) and 3 (structure and function) by J. D. We have arranged the manuscript in this way in order to facilitate continuous reading.