Occurrence of chlorpphyllides in developing, light grown leaves of several plant species

Chlorophyllide (Chlide) a and b were tentatively identified and quantified by HPLC in young, expanding, light grown leaves of several annuals and tree species but were undetectable in others. Chlide levels declined with leaf maturation. Amounts of 182,92 and 78 nmol Chlide a per g fresh weight were determined in Melia azedarach, Pisum sativum and Citrus sinensis leaves, respectively. In young Melia leaves the amounts of Chlide exceeded those of chlorophyll (Chl). A kinetic follow-up in Pisum seedling showed that Chlide accumulation began 3 days after germination, while a large amount of Chl was already present, peaked at 12 days and declined thereafter. Mature Citrus leaves accumulated Chlide in response to 24-h incubation in darkness and ethylene. The relationship of Chlide accumulation to Chl biosynthesis and catabolism is discussed.