Free Radical Scavengers Inhibit Light-Dependent Degradation of the 32 kDa Photosystem II Reaction Center Protein

Involvement of oxygen-free radicals in the rapid, light-dependent degradation of the 32 kDa photosystem II reaction center protein was investigated. The free radical scavengers propyl-gallate and uric acid inhibited 32 kDa protein degradation without affecting linear electron flow. The involvement of singlet oxygen was excluded. Protection from degradation was also afforded under ultra-violet and far-red radiations. These data implicate free-radical damage as a common step in the degradation process, and emphasize the oxygen environment as a causative factor in destabilization of the 32 kDa protein.