Photosystem-2

This is a cut-away sectional of the enzyme Photosystem II. While many enzymes do some very interesting chemistries, few have ever altered the actual environment at a planetary scale in the same manner that this enzyme has done. It is responsible for converting the atmosphere of the earth into an oxygen environment by using light energy to split water, generating oxygen gas as a by-product. I have captured a region of this enzyme that surrounds what is referred to as the oxygen evolving center, which contains Manganese, Oxygen and Calcium. I also highlighted a number of residues that bind to this cluster, and a key tyrosine residue, as well as one of the important chlorophyll molecules.

The structure is based on the 3WU2 protein data bank crystal structure. The model was manipulated in VMD, transferred to Tinkercad, where it was cleaned and the supports added.