Protein protein communication: the phycobilisome complex

Dr Marta Bunster (Universidad de Concepción, Chile)

Date and place: Friday September, 16th 11:00 am at Léon Frédéricq (B34, +5)

Protein surfaces are the key element for protein protein recognition, nevertheless protein communication must initiate responses such as electron transfer, tissue formation, inhibition of enzymes or energy transfer among others. In the phycobilisome, whose function is to harvest light and transfer energy towards the photosynthetic reaction centers, the correct packing of the components of this gigantic protein complex, allows the correct position of their chromophores allowing the most efficient energy transfer system known in nature. Our results related to the phycobilisome from Gracilaria chilensis will be described.