Hypermodified Fluorescent Chlorophyll Catabolites: Source of Blue Luminescence in Senescent Leaves

Abstract

Yellow leaves of bananas glow blue under UV light. The luminescence is caused by uniquely glycosylated (“hypermodified”) chlorophyll catabolites that accumulate in senescent banana leaves. These findings suggest that (some) chlorophyll catabolites are not mere detoxification products, but are likely to play still unknown physiological roles. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.