Expression of chlorophyllase is not induced during autumnal yellowing in Ginkgo biloba

Autumnal tints are one of the most fascinating natural phenomena, but the molecular mechanism of chlorophyll (Chl-)degradation in deciduous trees has not been fully understood. In this study, from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, chlorophyllase-homologous GbCLH was cloned by RT-PCR with degenerated primers. The expression of GbCLH in different yellowing stages was analyzed by Northern hybridization. The expression level of GbCLH was highest in green leaves and significantly declined during the process of leaf yellowing. These results suggested that GbCLH should be involved in chlorophyll-homeostasis in Ginkgo biloba.