The participation of chlorophyllase in chlorophyll metabolism

Although the breakdown of chlorophylls can easily be visually recognized, the fate of these photosynthetic pigments as well as their catabolism is still largely unknown. In the past, the enzyme called "chlorophyllase" (chlorophyll-chlorofillido-hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.14) had been thought to participate both in the biosynthesis and in the degradation of chlorophylls. It is, however, clear at present that in vivo this enzyme is involved rather in the first steps of chlorophyll degradation.