Evidence that the intermediate electron acceptor, A₂, in Photosystem I is a bound iron-sulfur protein

Absorption changes accompanying the formation of light-induced P-700⁺ were investigated in a highly enriched Photosystem I preparation where an intermediate electron acceptor preceding P-430 could be detected. In an enriched Photosystem I particle, light-induced reversible absorption changes observed at 700 nm in the presence of dithionite resembled those previously seen at 703 nm and 820 nm [9], thus indicating the presence of a backreaction between P-700⁺ and A^-₂. After this same Photosystem I particle was treated to denature the bound iron-sulfur centers, the photochemical changes that could be attributed to P-700 A₂ were completely lost. These results provide evidence that the intermediate electron acceptor, A₂, is a bound iron-sulfur protein. Additional studies in the 400-500 nm region with Photosystem I particles prepared by sonication indicate that the spectrum of A₂ is different from that of P-430.