Hydrophobic “pocket” on photosynthesizing membrane near photosystem II

Studies concerning the effect of 2-alkyl pyridine N-oxides with different substituents on electron transfer, phosphorylation, and light-dependent proton transport in photosynthesizing membranes of chloroplasts were conducted. It is determined that 2-alkyl pyridine N-oxides with short alkyl chains stimulate the Hill reaction and light-dependent proton transport inside chloroplasts. Compounds having alkyl residues with 6-10 carbon atoms in the chain inhibit electron transport, ADP phosphorylation, and reduction of ferrocyanide in thylakoids. A conclusion is drawn on the presence of the hydrophobic “pocket,” which is of importance for organization of the electron-transport chain of chloroplasts, near photosystem II.