Magnetic structure of manganese cluster in photosystem II investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance

The electronic structure of manganese (Mn) cluster in photosystem II was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. In order to determine the spin density distribution in magnetically coupled Mn in the S(2) state Mn cluster, pulsed electron–electron double resonance (PELDOR) measurement was performed. The local environment of the Mn cluster was investigated by electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR). Using spin projections determined by PELDOR, ENDOR signals were assigned to the water molecules ligated to the Mn cluster. The location of a high-affinity Mn(2+) site in apo-photosystem II, which is the initial site of photoactivation of the Mn cluster, was determined by PELDOR.