Question:

A copper-containing protein that takes part in electron transport in the chloroplast is

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Remember the characteristic metals in photosynthetic carriers:
Plastocyanin = Copper (\( \text{Cu} \)).
Cytochromes Ferredoxin = Iron (\( \text{Fe} \)).
Oxygen-Evolving Complex = Manganese (\( \text{Mn} \)) and Calcium (\( \text{Ca} \)).
  • Cytochrome C-oxidase
  • Plastocyanin
  • Riboflavin
  • Plastoquinone
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Metallo-proteins are proteins that require specific metal ions as cofactors to facilitate electron transfer or enzymatic catalysis.
In photosynthesis, several metallo-proteins operate within the thylakoid membrane to mediate electron flow through the light reactions.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate each of the options:
1. Plastocyanin (B): Plastocyanin is a water-soluble monomeric copper-containing protein situated in the thylakoid lumen of the chloroplast.
It contains a single copper ion coordinated at its active site.
This copper center undergoes reversible oxidation-reduction between the cuprous state (\( \text{Cu}^+ \), reduced) and the cupric state (\( \text{Cu}^{2+} \), oxidized) during the transport of electrons from the Cytochrome \( b_6f \) complex to Photosystem I (PSI).
This confirms Plastocyanin as the copper-containing carrier in chloroplasts.
2. Cytochrome c-oxidase (A): While it is a copper-containing metallo-enzyme, it resides in the inner mitochondrial membrane (not chloroplasts) and catalyzes the terminal step of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
3. Riboflavin (C): This is a vitamin (Vitamin B2) that serves as the precursor for flavin cofactors (FMN and FAD) and does not contain metal ions.
4. Plastoquinone (D): This is a hydrophobic, non-proteinaceous lipid-soluble molecule that shuttles electrons and protons within the thylakoid membrane and does not contain copper.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The copper-containing electron carrier in the chloroplast is plastocyanin, corresponding to option (B).
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