Multiple scattering x-ray absorption studies of Zn2+ binding sites in bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers

Binding of transition metal ions to the reaction center ( RC) protein of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides has been previously shown to slow light-induced electron and proton transfer to the secondary quinone acceptor molecule, Q(B). On the basis of x-ray diffraction at 2.5 Angstrom resolution a site, formed by AspH124, HisH126, and HisH128, has been identified at the protein surface which binds Cd2+ or Zn2+. Using Zn K-edge x-ray absorption. ne structure spectroscopy we report here on the local structure of Zn2+ ions bound to purified RC complexes embedded into polyvinyl alcohol films. X-ray absorption. ne structure data were analyzed by combining ab initio simulations and multiparameter fitting; structural contributions up to the fourth coordination shell and multiple scattering paths ( involving three atoms) have been included. Results for complexes characterized by a Zn to RC stoichiometry close to one indicate that Zn2+ binds two O and two N atoms in the first coordination shell. Higher shell contributions are consistent with a binding cluster formed by two His, one Asp residue, and a water molecule. Analysis of complexes characterized by; 2 Zn ions per RC reveals a second structurally distinct binding site, involving one O and three N atoms, not belonging to a His residue. The local structure obtained for the higher affinity site nicely fits the coordination geometry proposed on the basis of x-ray diffraction data, but detects a significant contraction of the first shell. Two possible locations of the second new binding site at the cytoplasmic surface of the RC are proposed.