Photocatalysis as the 'master switch' of photomorphogenesis in early plant development

Red-light-dependent chlorophyll synthesis kindles photosynthetic recovery of chlorotic dormant cyanobacteria using a dark-operative enzyme

Chlorosis dormancy resulting from nitrogen starvation and its resuscitation upon available nitrogen contributes greatly to the fitness of cyanobacterial population under nitrogen-fluctuating environments. The reinstallation of the photosynthetic machinery is a key process for resuscitation from a chlorotic dormant state; however, the underlying regulatory mechanism is still elusive. Here, we reported that red light is essential for re-greening chlorotic Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (a non-diazotrophic cyanobacterium) after nitrogen supplement under weak light conditions. The expression of dark-operative protochlorophyllide reductase (DPOR) governed by the transcriptional factor RpaB was strikingly induced by red light in chlorotic cells, and its deficient mutant lost the capability of resuscitation from a dormant state, indicating DPOR catalyzing chlorophyll synthesis is a key step in the photosynthetic recovery of dormant cyanobacteria. Although light-dependent protochlorophyllide reductase is widely considered as a master switch in photomorphogenesis, this study unravels the primitive DPOR as a spark to activate the photosynthetic recovery of chlorotic dormant cyanobacteria. These findings provide new insight into the biological significance of DPOR in cyanobacteria and even some plants thriving in extreme environments.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-encapsulated zinc porphyrin photoresponsive nanozyme for colorimetric/fluorescent dual-mode sensing of glyphosate

A novel zeolitic imidazolate framework-encapsulated zinc porphyrin (ZnTCPP@ZIF-90) photoresponsive nanozyme is proposed for the colorimetric/fluorescent dual-mode visual sensing of glyphosate (Gly). ZnTCPP@ZIF-90 exhibits photoresponsive oxidase-like activity and fluorescence quenching behavior. Meanwhile, the outer ZIF-90 layer can be selectively destroyed by Gly, causing the release of free ZnTCPP, resulting in the enhanced enzyme-like activity as well as fluorescence emission. The constructed ZnTCPP@ZIF-90 was successfully used for the colorimetric/fluorescent dual-mode detection of Gly. Additionally, the colorimetric and fluorescent images information captured by the smartphone were converted to color intensity (HSV/RGB values), with limits of detection of 0.27 μg/mL and 0.19 μg/mL, respectively. The proposed dual-mode sensor exhibits excellent selectivity and reliability for detecting Gly, and can be successfully applied to the analysis of real samples such as tap water, lake water, and fruit washing water. The current research efforts are expected to provide new perspectives for designing highly active photoresponsive nanozymes and their stimuli-responsive sensing systems, paving the way for their applications in portable dual-mode chemical sensing and environmental monitoring.

Stereodivergent photobiocatalytic radical cyclization through the repurposing and directed evolution of fatty acid photodecarboxylases

Despite their intriguing photophysical and photochemical activities, naturally occurring photoenzymes have not yet been repurposed for new-to-nature activities. Here we engineered fatty acid photodecarboxylases to catalyse unnatural photoredox radical C-C bond formation by leveraging the strongly oxidizing excited-state flavoquinone cofactor. Through genome mining, rational engineering and directed evolution, we developed a panel of radical photocyclases to facilitate decarboxylative radical cyclization with excellent chemo-, enantio- and diastereoselectivities. Our high-throughput experimental workflow allowed for the directed evolution of fatty acid photodecarboxylases. An orthogonal set of radical photocyclases was engineered to access all four possible stereoisomers of the stereochemical dyad, affording fully diastereo- and enantiodivergent biotransformations in asymmetric radical biocatalysis. Molecular dynamics simulations show that our evolved radical photocyclases allow near-attack conformations to be easily accessed, enabling chemoselective radical cyclization. The development of stereoselective radical photocyclases provides unnatural C-C-bond-forming activities in natural photoenzyme families, which can be used to tame the stereochemistry of free-radical-mediated reactions.

Noncanonical Amino Acids in Biocatalysis

In recent years, powerful genetic code reprogramming methods have emerged that allow new functional components to be embedded into proteins as noncanonical amino acid (ncAA) side chains. In this review, we will illustrate how the availability of an expanded set of amino acid building blocks has opened a wealth of new opportunities in enzymology and biocatalysis research. Genetic code reprogramming has provided new insights into enzyme mechanisms by allowing introduction of new spectroscopic probes and the targeted replacement of individual atoms or functional groups. NcAAs have also been used to develop engineered biocatalysts with improved activity, selectivity, and stability, as well as enzymes with artificial regulatory elements that are responsive to external stimuli. Perhaps most ambitiously, the combination of genetic code reprogramming and laboratory evolution has given rise to new classes of enzymes that use ncAAs as key catalytic elements. With the framework for developing ncAA-containing biocatalysts now firmly established, we are optimistic that genetic code reprogramming will become a progressively more powerful tool in the armory of enzyme designers and engineers in the coming years.

Light dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase: a succinct look

Reducing protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) to chlorophyllide (Chlide) is a major regulatory step in the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway. This reaction is catalyzed by light-dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (LPOR) in oxygenic phototrophs, particularly angiosperms. LPOR-NADPH and Pchlide form a ternary complex to be efficiently photo-transformed to synthesize Chlide and, subsequently, chlorophyll during the transition from skotomorphogenesis to photomorphogenesis. Besides lipids, carotenoids and poly-cis xanthophylls influence the formation of the photoactive LPOR complexes and the PLBs. The crystal structure of LPOR reveals evolutionarily conserved cysteine residues implicated in the Pchlide binding and catalysis around the active site. Different isoforms of LPOR viz PORA, PORB, and PORC expressed at different stages of chloroplast development play a photoprotective role by quickly transforming the photosensitive Pchlide to Chlide. Non-photo-transformed Pchlide acts as a photosensitizer to generate singlet oxygen that causes oxidative stress and cell death. Therefore, different isoforms of LPOR have evolved and differentially expressed during plant development to protect plants from photodamage and thus play a pivotal role during photomorphogenesis. This review brings out the salient features of LPOR structure, structure-function relationships, and ultra-fast photo transformation of Pchlide to Chlide by oligomeric and polymeric forms of LPOR.

Fluorination of a conserved tyrosine in POR offers new clues for proton transfer

Reduction of the 17,18-double bond in the D-ring during chlorophyll biosynthesis is catalyzed by the rare, naturally occurring photoenzyme protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR). A conserved tyrosine residue has been suggested to donate a proton to C18 of the substrate in the past decades. Taylor and colleagues scrutinized the model with a powerful tool that utilized a modified genetic code to introduce fluorinated tyrosine analogues into POR. The presented results show that the suggested catalytically critical tyrosine is unlikely to participate in the reaction chemistry but is required for substrate binding, and instead, a cysteine residue preceding the lid helix is proposed to have the role of proton donor.

Mechanistic implications of the ternary complex structural models for the photoenzyme protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase

The photoenzyme protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) is an important enzyme for understanding biological H-transfer mechanisms. It uses light to catalyse the reduction of protochlorophyllide to chlorophyllide, a key step in chlorophyll biosynthesis. Although a wealth of spectroscopic data have provided crucial mechanistic insight, a structural rationale for POR photocatalysis has proved challenging and remains hotly debated. Recent structural models of the ternary enzyme-substrate complex, derived from crystal and electron microscopy data, show differences in the orientation of the protochlorophyllide substrate and the architecture of the POR active site, with significant implications for the catalytic mechanism. Here, we use a combination of computational and experimental approaches to investigate the compatibility of each structural model with the hypothesised reaction mechanisms and propose an alternative structural model for the cyanobacterial POR ternary complex. We show that a strictly conserved tyrosine, previously proposed to act as the proton donor in POR photocatalysis, is unlikely to be involved in this step of the reaction but is crucial for Pchlide binding. Instead, an active site cysteine is important for both hydride and proton transfer reactions in POR and is proposed to act as the proton donor, either directly or through a water-mediated network. Moreover, a conserved glutamine is important for Pchlide binding and ensuring efficient photochemistry by tuning its electronic properties, likely by interacting with the central Mg atom of the substrate. This optimal 'binding pose' for the POR ternary enzyme-substrate complex illustrates how light energy can be harnessed to facilitate enzyme catalysis by this unique enzyme.

Light dependent differentiation of outdoors developed purple eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) pericarp layers: Leaf chlorenchyma characteristics of the pericarp layers dissected in the dark

To interpret the final steps of chlorophyll biosynthesis, detailed knowledge of etiolation symptoms is necessary. Most of our knowledge originates from studies on plant materials grown in complete darkness. Hardly any information is available about the plastid development in internal parenchyma cells of fleshy fruits in which the food supply is almost unlimited. In this work, etiolation symptoms were studied in pericarp layers of purple eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Tissue layers of fruits developed under open-air conditions and of etiolated fruits were dissected in a dark room. Transmission and 77 K fluorescence spectroscopy and ultrastructural studies were performed. Photosynthetic activities were measured and pigment contents were determined in light-grown fruits. The purple exocarp and a 1-1.5 cm wide green mesocarp layer of large fruits fully shade the internal pericarp layers, thus protochloropyll (ide) accumulated, flash-photoactive 644 and 655 nm emitting protochlorophyllide complexes, and only small amounts of chlorophylls were found. Photosynthetic activity was detected only in the external, green layer, which had fully developed chloroplasts, and showed 77 K fluorescence emission spectra characteristic for green leaves. The innermost endocarp regions and the etiolated fruits contained mainly protochlorophyll (ide), proplastids, and etioplasts, i.e. they showed etiolation symptoms. These symptoms correspond to those of leaves of dark-grown seedlings but are stable for long periods due to the almost unlimited nourishment supply from storage parenchyma cells. These results prove that the laboratory works with artificially dark-developed plant materials are good models of natural chlorophyll biosynthesis and plastid development.

Regulation of chlorophyll biosynthesis by light-dependent acetylation of NADPH:protochlorophyll oxidoreductase A in Arabidopsis

Chlorophylls are the major pigments that harvest light energy during photosynthesis in plants. Although reactions in chlorophyll biogenesis have been largely known, little attention has been paid to the post-translational regulation mechanism of this process. In this study, we found that four lysine sites (K128/340/350/390) of NADPH:protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase A (PORA), which catalyzes the only light-triggered step in chlorophyll biosynthesis, were acetylated after dark-grown seedlings transferred to light via acetylomics analysis. Etiolated seedlings with K390 mutation of PORA had a lower greening rate and decreased PORA acetylation after illumination. Importantly, K390 of PORA was found extremely conserved in plants and cyanobacteria via bioinformatics analysis. We further demonstrated that the acetylation level of PORA was increased by exposing the dark-grown seedlings to the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor TSA. Thus, the HDACs probably regulate the acetylation of PORA, thereby controlling this non-histone substrate to catalyze the reduction of Pchlide to produce chlorophyllide, which provides a novel regulatory mechanism by which the plant actively tunes chlorophyll biosynthesis during the conversion from skotomorphogenesis to photomorphogenesis.

Autocatalytic effect boosts the production of medium-chain hydrocarbons by fatty acid photodecarboxylase

Ongoing climate change is driving the search for renewable and carbon-neutral alternatives to fossil fuels. Photocatalytic conversion of fatty acids to hydrocarbons by fatty acid photodecarboxylase (FAP) represents a promising route to green fuels. However, the alleged low activity of FAP on C2 to C12 fatty acids seemed to preclude the use for synthesis of gasoline-range hydrocarbons. Here, we reveal that Chlorella variabilis FAP (CvFAP) can convert n-octanoic acid in vitro four times faster than n-hexadecanoic acid, its best substrate reported to date. In vivo, this translates into a CvFAP-based production rate over 10-fold higher for n-heptane than for n-pentadecane. Time-resolved spectroscopy and molecular modeling demonstrate that CvFAP's high catalytic activity on n-octanoic acid is, in part, due to an autocatalytic effect of its n-heptane product, which fills the rest of the binding pocket. These results represent an important step toward a bio-based and light-driven production of gasoline-like hydrocarbons.

iReenCAM: automated imaging system for kinetic analysis of photosynthetic pigment biosynthesis at high spatiotemporal resolution during early deetiolation

Seedling de-etiolation is one of the key stages of the plant life cycle, characterized by a strong rearrangement of the plant development and metabolism. The conversion of dark accumulated protochlorophyllide to chlorophyll in etioplasts of de-etiolating plants is taking place in order of ns to µs after seedlings illumination, leading to detectable increase of chlorophyll levels in order of minutes after de-etiolation initiation. The highly complex chlorophyll biosynthesis integrates number of regulatory events including light and hormonal signaling, thus making de-etiolation an ideal model to study the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here we introduce the iReenCAM, a novel tool designed for non-invasive fluorescence-based quantitation of early stages of chlorophyll biosynthesis during de-etiolation with high spatial and temporal resolution. iReenCAM comprises customized HW configuration and optimized SW packages, allowing synchronized automated measurement and analysis of the acquired fluorescence image data. Using the system and carefully optimized protocol, we show tight correlation between the iReenCAM monitored fluorescence and HPLC measured chlorophyll accumulation during first 4h of seedling de-etiolation in wild type Arabidopsis and mutants with disturbed chlorophyll biosynthesis. Using the approach, we demonstrate negative effect of exogenously applied cytokinins and ethylene on chlorophyll biosynthesis during early de-etiolation. Accordingly, we identify type-B response regulators, the cytokinin-responsive transcriptional activators ARR1 and ARR12 as negative regulators of early chlorophyll biosynthesis, while contrasting response was observed in case of EIN2 and EIN3, the components of canonical ethylene signaling cascade. Knowing that, we propose the use of iReenCAM as a new phenotyping tool, suitable for quantitative and robust characterization of the highly dynamic response of seedling de-etiolation.

Repurposing Photosensitizer Proteins Through Genetic Code Expansion to Facilitate Photo-Biocatalysis

Artificial photoenzymes with noncanonical photo-redox cofactors have paved the way for enzyme rational design and the creation of new-to-nature biocatalysts. Genetically encoded photo-redox cofactors endow photoenzymes with enhanced or novel activities that catalyze numerous transformations with high efficiency. Herein, we describe a protocol of repurposing photosensitizer proteins (PSP) through genetic code expansion to facilitate multiple photocatalytic conversions including photo-activated dehalogenation of aryl halides, CO₂ to CO and CO₂ to formic acid reduction. The methods for expression, purification, and characterization of the PSP are detailed. The installation of the catalytic modules and the utilization of PSP-based artificial photoenzymes for photoenzymatic CO₂ reduction and dehalogenation are also described.

Mutation in a chlorophyll-binding motif of Brassica ferrochelatase enhances both heme and chlorophyll biosynthesis

The heme branch of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis contributes to the regulation of chlorophyll levels. However, the mechanism underlying the balance between chlorophyll and heme synthesis remains elusive. Here, we identify a dark green leaf mutant, dg, from an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutant library of Chinese cabbage. The dg phenotype is caused by an amino acid substitution in the conserved chlorophyll a/b-binding motif (CAB) of ferrochelatase 2 (BrFC2). This mutation increases the formation of BrFC2 homodimer to promote heme production. Moreover, wild-type BrFC2 and dBrFC2 interact with protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) oxidoreductase B1 and B2 (BrPORB1 and BrPORB2), and dBrFC2 exhibits higher binding ability to substrate Pchlide, thereby promoting BrPORBs-catalyzed production of chlorophyllide (Chlide), which can be directly converted into chlorophyll. Our results show that dBrFC2 is a gain-of-function mutation contributing to balancing heme and chlorophyll synthesis via a regulatory mechanism in which dBrFC2 promotes BrPORB enzymatic reaction to enhance chlorophyll synthesis.

Catalysis by Nature's photoenzymes

Photoenzymes use light to initiate biochemical reactions. Although rarely found in nature, their study has advanced understanding of how light energy can be harnessed to facilitate enzyme catalysis, which is also of importance to the design and engineering of man-made photocatalysts. Natural photoenzymes can be assigned to one of two families, based broadly on the nature of the light-sensing chromophores used, those being chlorophyll-like tetrapyrroles or flavins. In all cases, light absorption leads to excited state electron transfer, which in turn initiates photocatalysis. Reviewed here are recent findings relating to the structures and mechanisms of known photoenzymes. We highlight recent advances that have deepened understanding of mechanisms in biological photocatalysis.

Insight into the structural dynamics of light sensitive proteins from time-resolved crystallography and quantum chemical calculations

The structural dynamics underlying molecular mechanisms of light-sensitive proteins can be studied by a variety of experimental and computational biophysical techniques. Here we review recent progress in combining time-resolved crystallography at X-ray free electron lasers and quantum chemical calculations to study structural changes in photoenzymes, photosynthetic proteins, photoreceptors, and photoswitchable fluorescent proteins following photoexcitation.

A designed photoenzyme for enantioselective [2+2] cycloadditions

The ability to program new modes of catalysis into proteins would allow the development of enzyme families with functions beyond those found in nature. To this end, genetic code expansion methodology holds particular promise, as it allows the site-selective introduction of new functional elements into proteins as noncanonical amino acid side chains1-4. Here we exploit an expanded genetic code to develop a photoenzyme that operates by means of triplet energy transfer (EnT) catalysis, a versatile mode of reactivity in organic synthesis that is not accessible to biocatalysis at present5-12. Installation of a genetically encoded photosensitizer into the beta-propeller scaffold of DA_20_00 (ref. 13) converts a de novo Diels-Alderase into a photoenzyme for [2+2] cycloadditions (EnT1.0). Subsequent development and implementation of a platform for photoenzyme evolution afforded an efficient and enantioselective enzyme (EnT1.3, up to 99% enantiomeric excess (e.e.)) that can promote intramolecular and bimolecular cycloadditions, including transformations that have proved challenging to achieve selectively with small-molecule catalysts. EnT1.3 performs >300 turnovers and, in contrast to small-molecule photocatalysts, can operate effectively under aerobic conditions and at ambient temperatures. An X-ray crystal structure of an EnT1.3-product complex shows how multiple functional components work in synergy to promote efficient and selective photocatalysis. This study opens up a wealth of new excited-state chemistry in protein active sites and establishes the framework for developing a new generation of enantioselective photocatalysts.

An unusual light-sensing function for coenzyme B12 in bacterial transcription regulator CarH

Coenzyme B₁₂ is one of the most complex cofactors found in nature and synthesized de novo by certain groups of bacteria. Although its use in various enzymatic reactions is well characterized, only recently an unusual light-sensing function has been ascribed to coenzyme B₁₂. It has been reported that the coenzyme B₁₂ binding protein CarH, found in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway of several thermostable bacteria, binds to the promoter region of DNA and suppresses transcription. To overcome the harmful effects of light-induced damage in the cells, CarH releases DNA in the presence of light and promotes transcription and synthesis of carotenoids, thereby working as a photoreceptor. CarH is able to achieve this by exploiting the photosensitive nature of the CoC bond between the adenosyl moiety and the cobalt atom in the coenzyme B₁₂ molecule. Extensive structural and spectroscopy studies provided a mechanistic understanding of the molecular basis of this unique light-sensitive reaction. Most studies on CarH have used the ortholog from the thermostable bacterium Thermus thermophilus, due to the ease with which it can be expressed and purified in high quantities. In this chapter we give an overview of this intriguing class of photoreceptors and report a step-by-step protocol for expression, purification and spectroscopy experiments (both static and time-resolved techniques) employed in our laboratory to study CarH from T. thermophilus. We hope the contents of this chapter will be of interest to the wider coenzyme B₁₂ community and apprise them of the potential and possibilities of using coenzyme B₁₂ as a light-sensing probe in a protein scaffold.

Current Strategies for Real-Time Enzyme Activation

Enzyme activation is a powerful means of achieving biotransformation function, aiming to intensify the reaction processes with a higher yield of product in a short time, and can be exploited for diverse applications. However, conventional activation strategies such as genetic engineering and chemical modification are generally irreversible for enzyme activity, and they also have many limitations, including complex processes and unpredictable results. Recently, near-infrared (NIR), alternating magnetic field (AMF), microwave and ultrasound irradiation, as real-time and precise activation strategies for enzyme analysis, can address many limitations due to their deep penetrability, sustainability, low invasiveness, and sustainability and have been applied in many fields, such as biomedical and industrial applications and chemical synthesis. These spatiotemporal and controllable activation strategies can transfer light, electromagnetic, or ultrasound energy to enzymes, leading to favorable conformational changes and improving the thermal stability, stereoselectivity, and kinetics of enzymes. Furthermore, the different mechanisms of activation strategies have determined the type of applicable enzymes and manipulated protocol designs that either immobilize enzymes on nanomaterials responsive to light or magnetic fields or directly influence enzymatic properties. To employ these effects to finely and efficiently activate enzyme activity, the physicochemical features of nanomaterials and parameters, including the frequency and intensity of activation methods, must be optimized. Therefore, this review offers a comprehensive overview related to emerging technologies for achieving real-time enzyme activation and summarizes their characteristics and advanced applications.

How Photoactivation Triggers Protochlorophyllide Reduction: Computational Evidence of a Stepwise Hydride Transfer during Chlorophyll Biosynthesis

The photochemical reaction catalyzed by enzyme protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR), a rare example of a photoactivated enzyme, is a crucial step during chlorophyll biosynthesis and involves the fastest known biological hydride transfer. Structures of the enzyme with bound substrate protochlorophyllide (PChlide) and coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) have recently been published, opening up the possibility of using computational approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the excited state chemistry. Herein, we propose a complete mechanism for the photochemistry between PChlide and NADPH based on density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations that is consistent with recent experimental data. In this multi-step mechanism, photoexcitation of PChlide leads to electron transfer from NADPH to PChlide, which in turn facilitates hydrogen atom transfer by weakening the breaking C-H bond. This work rationalizes how photoexcitation facilitates hydride transfer in POR and has more general implications for biological hydride transfer reactions.

Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Secretion of Protochlorophyllide in the Cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya boryana

Protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) reduction in the late stage of chlorophyll a (Chl) biosynthesis is catalyzed by two enzymes: light-dependent Pchlide oxidoreductase (LPOR) and dark-operative Pchlide oxidoreductase (DPOR). The differential operation of LPOR and DPOR enables a stable supply of Chl in response to changes in light conditions and environmental oxygen levels. When a DPOR-deficient mutant (YFC2) of the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya boryana is grown heterotrophically in the dark, Pchlide accumulates in the cells and is secreted into the culture medium. In this study, we demonstrated the extracellular vesicle-mediated secretion of Pchlide. Pchlide fractions were isolated from the culture medium using sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the Pchlide fractions contained porin isoforms, TolC, and FG-GAP repeat-containing protein, which are localized in the outer membrane. Transmission electron microscopy revealed extracellular vesicle-like structures in the vicinity of YFC2 cells and the Pchlide fractions. These findings suggested that the Pchlide secretion is mediated by extracellular vesicles in dark-grown YFC2 cells.

Effects of Light and Oxygen on Chlorophyll d Biosynthesis in a Marine Cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina

A marine cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina synthesizes chlorophyll (Chl) d as a major Chl. Chl d has a formyl group at its C3 position instead of a vinyl group in Chl a. This modification allows Chl d to absorb far-red light addition to visible light, yet the enzyme catalyzing the formation of the C3-formyl group has not been identified. In this study, we focused on light and oxygen, the most important external factors in Chl biosynthesis, to investigate their effects on Chl d biosynthesis in A. marina. The amount of Chl d in heterotrophic dark-grown cells was comparable to that in light-grown cells, indicating that A. marina has a light-independent pathway for Chl d biosynthesis. Under anoxic conditions, the amount of Chl d increased with growth in light conditions; however, no growth was observed in dark conditions, indicating that A. marina synthesizes Chl d normally even under such “micro-oxic” conditions caused by endogenous oxygen production. Although the oxygen requirement for Chl d biosynthesis could not be confirmed, interestingly, accumulation of pheophorbide d was observed in anoxic and dark conditions, suggesting that Chl d degradation is induced by anaerobicity and darkness.

Dynamics of Etiolation Monitored by Seedling Morphology, Carotenoid Composition, Antioxidant Level, and Photoactivity of Protochlorophyllide in Arabidopsis thaliana

Although etiolated Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings are widely used as a model to study the de-etiolation process, the etiolation itself at the molecular level still needs elucidation. Here, we monitored the etiolation dynamics for wild type A. thaliana seedlings and lutein-deficient (lut2) mutant between 2 and 12 days of their growth in the absence of light. We analyzed the shape of the apex, the growth rate, the carotenoids and protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) accumulation, and the light-dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (LPOR) transcripts. Differences concerning the apical hook curvature and cotyledon opening among seedlings of the same age were observed, mostly after day 6 of the culture. We categorized the observed apex shapes and presented quantitatively how distribution among the categories changed during 12 days of seedling growth. The Pchlide₆₅₄/Pchlide₆₃₃ ratio, corresponding to the amount of the photoactive Pchlide, was the highest in the youngest seedlings, and decreased with their age. LPORA, LPORB, and LPORC transcripts were detected in etiolated seedlings, and their content decreased during seedling growth. Expression of SAG12 or SAG13 senescence markers, depletion in antioxidants, and excess ion leakage were not observed during the etiolation. Lack of lutein in the lut2 mutant resulted in slow Pchlide accumulation and affected other xanthophyll composition.