Abstract
Chlorophyllase-catalyzed hydrolysis and esterification of chlorophylls, bacteriochlorophylls, and their free acids, respectively, depend on the configuration around the C-13(2) atom of the corresponding substrate. The data suggest that the enzyme interacts preferentially with compounds having the isocyclic carbomethoxy and the C-17 propionic residues facing opposite sides of the porphyrin macrocycle. The relevance of this observation to chlorophyll biosynthesis and degradation in vivo is briefly discussed.
Highlights
Chlorophyllase-catalyzed hydrolysis and esterificationof chlorophylls, bacteriochlorophylls, and their free acids, respectively, depend on the configuration around the C- 132atom of the corresponding substrate
Hydrolysis-The progress of Chl a and Chl a' hydrolysis by chlorophyllase extracted from chloroplasts of M . azedaruch is
The circles represent the corresponding absorption during incubation of Chl a' with chlorophyllase
Summary
The data suggest that the enzyme interacts preferentially with compounds having the isocyclic carbomethoxy and theC-17 propionic residues facing opposite sides of the porphyrin macrocycle The relevance of this observation to chlorophyll biosynthesis and degradation in vivo is briefly discussed. The alcohol must contain a primary hydroxyl group (ll),and ringIV of the Chl mustbe reduced, and possibly (but not definitely) thcearbomethoxy group has to be bound to ring V (12, 13) This carbomethoxy group is involved in the determinationof the configuration around C13’ and in theoptical activity of Chls and bacteriochlorophylls (Bchls). It is assumed that the dissociation of pigment-protein complexes reflects the initial step of Chl degradation. Though it is not clear whether degradationof protein or destruction of pigments comes first, it was shown that chlorophyllase can act on Chl-protein complexes (5)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
