The engine of life: Photosystem II

Abstract

Determination of the crystal structure of Photosystem II has provided strong hints of how Nature uses solar energy to power the remarkable chemistry of water-splitting to produce, on an enormous scale, hydrogen equivalents and molecular oxygen. This new information now provides a blueprint for scientists to seriously consider constructing catalysts that mimic the natural system and thus provide new technologies to address the energy/CO2 problem that humankind must solve. After all, there is no shortage of water for this reaction and the energy content of sunlight falling on our planet well exceeds our needs.