[The protochlorophyll(ide) transformation and its relation to the photooxidation of ascorbic acid in etiolated seedlings].

The terminal steps in chlorophyll synthesis leading from protochlorophyll(ide) to chlorophyll have been investigated on etiolated seedlings of Triticum vulgare.It could be demonstrated that at least before the lag-phase the synthesis of chlorophyll proceeds not only via protochlorophyllide but also via protochlorophyll; however, about 90% of the synthesized chlorophyll originates from protochlorophyllide reduction.By a two-minute illumination with 7000 Lux 76-88% of the protochlorophyllide but only 30-60% of the protochlorophyll is transformed into chlorophyll(ide).As to the question of the hydrogen donor for this transformation, the present investigations have revealed that in red light the protochlorophyll(ide) reduction corresponds to the photooxidation of ascorbic acid. Hence it is suggested that in the photoreduction in vivo ascorbic acid could be involved as a reductant for the pigment. This supposition offers a new interpretation of the role of ascorbic acid in the chloroplasts.