PSIIllas

PSIIllas refers to Photosystem II supercomplexes. Photosystem II (PSII) is a multi-protein complex embedded in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, crucial for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. In certain conditions, PSII monomers can associate with each other and with other protein complexes, such as light-harvesting complexes (LHCII), to form larger supramolecular structures. These organized units are known as PSIIllas.

The formation of PSIIllas is thought to be a dynamic process that can be influenced by factors like light intensity and nutritional status of the plant. These supercomplexes may play a role in optimizing light capture and energy transfer to the PSII reaction center. They can also be involved in photoprotection mechanisms, helping to dissipate excess absorbed light energy as heat and preventing damage to the photosynthetic apparatus under high light stress. Studying PSIIllas provides insights into the intricate organization of the photosynthetic membrane and its efficiency.