Triton X‐100 reacts with chlorophyll in the presence of chlorophyllase

Abstract
Chlorophyllase (chlorophyll chlorophyllidohydrolase, EC 3.1.1.14) catalyses the transesterification of chlorophylls with the surfactant Triton X‐100, which is widely used in the preparation and study of this enzyme. The preparation and some properties of water‐soluble tritonyl chlorophyllide esters are described. A mechanism for the role of Triton X‐100 as an inhibitor in chlorophyllase‐catalyzed hydrolysis and transesterification of chlorophylls is proposed. Bacteriochlorophylaalso has been employed as a substrate for green plant chlorophyllase.