Methods of isolation of reaction center preparations from photosynthetic purple bacteria

Various modern methods of isolation of functionally active membrane complex es of the reaction centers (RC) from photosynthetic purple bacteria are rev iewed. Special attention is given to the methods of RC isolation from bacte ria which are widely used in experimental practice. The analysis includes t he main steps of RC isolation, evaluation of purity of the resultant prepar ation, and characterization of its functional activity. Besides description of conventional methods of RC isolation based on ion-exchange chromatograp hy and hydroxyapatite chromatography, some other methods such as affinity c hromatography and high-performance chromatography at high and fine pressure are also considered.