Description
Chlorophyllase has been found in higher plants, diatoms, and in the green algae Chlorella. This enzyme forms part of the chlorophyll degradation pathway and is thought to take part in de-greening processes such as fruit ripening, leaf senescence and flowering, as well as in the turnover and homeostasis of chlorophyll. This enzyme acts preferentially on chlorophyll a but will also accept chlorophyll b and pheophytins as substrates. Ethylene and methyl jasmonate, which are known to accelerate senescence in many species, can enhance the activity of the hormone-inducible form of this enzyme