Chlorophyll Biosynthesis : Light-dependent and light-independent protochlorophyllide reduction

Abstract

Protochlorophyllide reductases are key enzymes in the process of chlorophyll biosynthesis. In this review, current knowledge on the molecular organization, substrate specificity and assembly of the light-dependent NADPH : protochlorophyllide oxidoreductases are dis¬ cussed. Characteristics of light-independent enzymes are then briefly described and the possible reasons for the selection of light-dependent enzymes in the course of evolution are discussed.