Model of Detergent-Induced Spectral Changes of the B800-850 Complex from Chromatium minutissimum.

The absorption and circular dichroism spectra of the B800-850 complex from Chromatium minutissimum before and after the Triton X-100 treatment were simulated by means of standard exciton theory, taking into account inhomogeneous broadening. To explain the spectral changes of the B800-850 complex treated with Triton X-100, we have assumed that all bacteriochlorophyll pigments absorbing at 850 nm exhibit the same additional rotation of 20° around the axis perpendicular to the membrane plane. This has been sufficient to fit the transformation in absorption and circular dichroism spectra induced by detergent treatment of the B800-850 complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]