Degradation of Chlorophyll in the Leaves of Reed Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) under the Action of Volatile Organic Compounds and Benzo(a)pyrene

The pathways of chlorophyll a and b degradation were studied in the leaves of reed fescue (Festuca arundinacea) under the action of volatile organic compounds (pentane, hexane, benzene, o-xylene, butyl acetate) and benzo(a)pyrene. The activity of chlorophyllase, which removes phytol, and the degree of pheophytinization of chlorophyll a were used as markers of chlorophyll a and b destruction. A dose-dependent decrease in the content of membrane-bound chlorophyll pigments was found as a result of the action of all hydrocarbons used, which was most pronounced under the action of o-xylene one day after the treatment. The destruction of pigments containing phytol occurred by both pheophytinization and dephytolization. There was no correlation between the activity of chlorophyllase and the degree of pheophytinization.

Automated summary

The study found that volatile organic compounds can lead to a decrease in membrane-bound chlorophyll pigment content during chlorophyll a and b degradation, with o-xylene showing the most significant effect. Degradation of pigments containing phytol occurs through both pheophytinization and dephytolization, with no correlation between chlorophyllase activity and the degree of pheophytinization.