Author Spotlight: Non-Invasive High-Resolution Measurement of Chlorophyll Synthesis During De-Etiolation

Chlorophyll synthesis is a highly dynamic process. Therefore, the ability to measure it with high time and spatial resolution is necessary. We are proposing a highly accurate method that allows us to trace chlorophyll synthesis in vivo during the first hours of de-etiolation.

Normally, chlorophyll is measured by high performance liquid chromatography or spectrophotometry. Also, new optical methods are being proposed for chlorophyll measurement. Chlorophyll synthesis is a very fast process that is triggered by minute traces of light in order of seconds.

Recent approaches are mostly invasive, require tissue disintegration, making it difficult to accurately quantify the highly dynamic process of chlorophyll biosynthesis as sufficient time resolution, We were able to determine chlorophyll kinetics in living etiolated seedlings after the first pulse of light, and during the next four hours with high time and spatial resolution. The high precision and statistical robustness of our approach allowed us to study the effects of various factors during individual stages of de-etiolation. It is a non-invasive method with high accuracy and spatial resolution, opening new opportunities for further research, including studies of the possible impact of stress or biostimulants.

Thanks to its relatively high throughput, it can also be used in forward genetics to clarify the highly complex process of plant de-etiolation.