Which one of the following is essential for photolysis of water?
Which one of the following is essential for photolysis of water?
Manganese
Zinc
Copper
Boron
Solution
Photolysis of water requires light energy, and oxygen evolving complex (OEC) and an electron carrier $Y_z$. OEC complex was formerly called Z-enzyme. It has four Mn ions. Light energy brings about changes in $\mathrm{Mn}\left(\mathrm{Mn}^{+2}, \mathrm{Mn}^{+3}, \mathrm{Mn}^{+4}\right)$ which helps in removing electrons from $\mathrm{OH}^{-}$ component of water forming oxygen. Liberation of oxygen also requires $\mathrm{Cl}^{-}$and $\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}$.