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Evaluation of Photosynthetic Behaviors by Simultaneous Measurements of Leaf Reflectance and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Analyses
Published on: August 9, 2019
Chlorophyll breakdown as seen in bananas: sign of aging and ripening--a mini-review
Thomas Müller1, Bernhard Kräutler
1Institute of Organic Chemistry and Centre of Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Abstract:
The ripening of bananas is seen by a characteristic change of their color from deep green to bright yellow. Likewise, their over-ripening and eventual rotting are accompanied by the appearance of an unappetizing brown. Chlorophyll breakdown is a major contributor to the visual signs of these processes in bananas. Outlined here are the basic structures of chlorophyll catabolites in higher plants, with particular reference to ripening and aging bananas. In these fruits, unique fluorescent chlorophyll catabolites accumulate and give rise to their fascinating blue luminescence.
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