Optimal efficiency of the Q-cycle mechanism around physiological temperatures from an open quantum systems approach.

ABSTRACT: The Q-cycle mechanism entering the electron and proton transport chain in oxygenic photosynthesis is an example of how biological processes can be efficiently investigated with elementary microscopic models. Here we address the problem of energy transport across the cellular membrane from an open quantum system theoretical perspective. We model the cytochrome [Formula: see text] protein complex under cyclic electron flow conditions starting from a simplified kinetic model, which is hereby revisited in terms of a Markovian quantum master equation formulation and spin-boson Hamiltonian treatment. We apply this model to theoretically demonstrate an optimal thermodynamic efficiency of the Q-cycle around ambient and physiologically relevant temperature conditions. Furthermore, we determine the

SUBMITTER: Tacchino F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6853958 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature