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Recent advances in chlorophyll biosynthesis

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Abstract

The importance of chlorophyll (Chl) to the process of photosynthesis is obvious, and there is clear evidence that the regulation of Chl biosynthesis has a significant role in the regulation of assembly of the photosynthetic apparatus. The understanding of Chl biosynthesis has rapidly advanced in recent years. The identification of genetic loci associated with each of the biochemical steps has been accompanied by a greater appreciation of the role of Chl biosynthesis intermediates in intracellular signaling. The purpose of this review is to provide a source of information for all the steps in Chl and bacteriochlorophyll a biosynthesis, with an emphasis on steps that are believed to be key regulation points.

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Abbreviations

Chl:

Chlorophyll

Bchl:

Bacteriochlorophyll

MP:

Mg-protoporphyrin IX

MPE:

Mg-protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester

Pchlide:

Protochlorophyllide

ALA:

δ-aminolevulinic acid

PIX:

protoporphyrin IX

POR:

protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase

Chlide:

Chlorophyllide

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Acknowledgements

The author is indebted to several colleagues, including Dr. Mats Hansson for graciously providing Fig. 3 and Dr. Sarah H. Lawrence for extensive help in generating Fig. 4. He is also indebted to Dr. Eileen Jaffe who served as a host for his sabbatical, and members of her laboratory for stimulating scientific discussion. The author also recognizes the support received from a National Science Foundation Grant MCB-0109909.

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  1. David W. Bollivar

    Present address: Fox Chase Cancer Center, c/o Dr. Eileen Jaffe, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111-2497, USA

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  1. Department of Biology, Illinois Wesleyan University, P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, IL, 61702-2900, USA

    David W. Bollivar

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Bollivar, D.W. Recent advances in chlorophyll biosynthesis. Photosynth Res 89, 1–22 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11120-006-9076-6

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