The release of extrinsic polypeptides and manganese cluster from photosystem 2 membranes under high hydrostatic pressure

Three extrinsic polypeptides and manganese cluster were sequentially releas ed from the membrane when photosystem 2 (PS2) membranes were kept under hig h hydrostatic pressure. The 17 kDa polypeptide was the most sensitive, whil e the 33 kDa polypeptide was the most reluctant to the treatment with high pressure. The release of manganese was not simply correlated with the loss of 33 kDa polypeptide. The losing of oxygen-evolving activity of PS2 was sy nchronised with the releasing of extrinsic polypeptides and manganese.