Klorofüllide

Klorofüllide are a class of molecules that are closely related to chlorophyll. They are essentially chlorophyll molecules that lack a phytol tail. This difference in structure means that klorofüllide are not incorporated into the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts in the same way as chlorophyll. Instead, they are typically found in the stroma of the chloroplasts or can be released into the cytoplasm.

The primary klorofüllides are derived from chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. Klorofyllide a, for example, is the molecule that results from the enzymatic removal of the phytol chain from chlorophyll a. Similarly, klorofyllide b is derived from chlorophyll b. These molecules can also be formed through the breakdown of chlorophyll during senescence or under stress conditions.

While chlorophyll's main role is light absorption for photosynthesis, klorofüllides have other functions or are intermediates in metabolic pathways. They can act as substrates for the re-esterification with phytol to form chlorophyll again, a process important for chlorophyll turnover and repair. Klorofüllides are also implicated in signaling pathways within the plant cell and have been studied for their potential roles in photoprotection and the regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, klorofüllides are sometimes released from plant tissues and can be found in various environments, where they may undergo further transformations or contribute to the color of certain substances. Their detection can also serve as an indicator of plant material degradation.