A short overview of chlorophyll biosynthesis in algae

Chlorophylls are the most abundant classes of natural pigments and their biosynthesis is therefore a major metabolic activity in the ecosphere. Two pathways exist for chlorophyll biosynthesis, one taking place in darkness and the other requiring continuous light as a precondition. The key process for Chl synthesis is the reduction of protochlorophyllide (Pchlide). This enzymatic reaction is catalysed by two different enzymes — DPOR (dark-operative Pchlide oxidoreductase) or the structurally distinct LPOR (light-dependent Pchlide oxidoreductase). DPOR which consists of three subunits encoded by three plastid genes in eukaryotes was subject of our study. A short overview of our present knowledge of chlorophyll biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in comparison with other plants is presented.