LIGHT, CHARGE, AND PROTEIN STRUCTURES. Johann Deisenhofer, HHMI / UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75235-9050

Some of the most fundamental processes in the biosphere, such as photosynthesis and cell respiration, involve the interaction of light with, and the movement of charges through proteins and bound pigments. Light driven electron transfer reactions have also been found in DNA repair enzymes. The 3-D structures of the photosynthetic reaction center, the cytochrome b/c1 complex, and DNA photolyase are suitable examples for the discussion of such processes. Personal bias in their selection cannot be denied.