Connecting Chlorophyll Metabolism with Accumulation of the Photosynthetic Apparatus

Abstract

Chlorophyll (Chl) is indispensable for photosynthesis. In association with Chl-binding proteins (CBPs), it is responsible for light absorption, excitation energy transfer, and charge separation within the photosynthetic complexes. By contrast, photoexcitation of free Chl and its metabolic intermediates generates hazardous reactive oxygen species (ROS). While antagonistic activities of Chl synthesis and catabolism have been mostly elucidated, the tight synchronization of these metabolic activities with the formation and dismantling of the photosynthetic complexes is poorly understood. Recently, a set of auxiliary factors were identified to adjust metabolic activities and provide accurate amounts of Chl for pigment–protein complexes. Here, we review current knowledge of post-translational coordination of Chl formation, breakdown, and turnover with the assembly and disassembly of various CBPs and highlight future research perspectives.