Bacteriorhodopsin protein. Molecular model showing the structure of bacteriorhodopsin (bR),a protein found in primitive micro-organisms known as Archaea. This protein acts as a proton pump. It harnesses the energy of light to drive cellular ATP synthesis. The protein structure consists of seven transmembrane helices surrounding a molecule of retinal that is covalently bound to a Lys216 amino group via a Schiff base. It is the changes in the shape of the retinal molecule,caused by light,that drives the proton pumping action. This model is based on bR found in the halophilic (salt-loving) archaeon Halobacterium salinarum | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Laguna Design |
Bildgröße: | 4180 px × 4180 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |