Biogenesis and assembly of photosystem I

Photosystem I (PS I) is a multisubunit membrane protein complex consisting of 11 to 14 different subunits. In addition, several cofactors, such as chl orophylls, phylloquinones, carotenoids and iron-sulfur dusters are bound by this complex. We now have a detailed understanding of the structural basic s, yet we know very little about the molecular details of the assembly proc ess that finally yields functional PS I. Moreover, not much is known about the molecular dynamics of PS I in the thylakoid membrane or its regulated d egradation. These areas have become the focus of recent work and first resu lts have emerged. In this minireview we describe the latest findings in thi s fascinating and rapidly evolving field.