Chlorophyll catabolism in Prunus serrulata autumnal leaves

Chlorophyll catabolism in Prunus serrulata autumnal leaves was investigated. The amount of chlorophyll catabolites accumulated within the same plant species varies with the time of the leaf collection, seasonal climate and developmental stage of the plant. The chlorophyll catabolites found in P. serrulata autumnal leaves presented the tendency of the organism to decrease the level of photodynamically active chlorophyll before the programmed cell death. In the methanol extract several chlorophyll catabolites were identified. The results obtained by liquid - chromatography/mass spectrometry permitted the identification of the chlorophyll catabolites found in P. serrulata autumnal leaves. The analysis done revealed the chlorophyll catabolic pathway found in P. serrulata autumnal leaves.