Formation of chloroplast pigments in a temperature-sensitive, virescent mutant of maize

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Abstract
Pigment levels and greening responses have been examined in a temperature-sensitive virescent 16 mutant of maize with a temperature threshold of 25 °C for greening. Expansion of tissue at 20 °C leads to a reduction of protochlorophyll level as well as carotenoids and chlorophyll. Seedlings will not green at 20 °C under low-intensity intermittent or continuous light. Chlorophyll is formed at 20 °C in the light following etiolation at 28 °C. These results suggest that absence of chlorophyll in the virescent seedling at temperatures below the threshold is not due to loss of the protective function of carotenoids and consequent photooxidation of chlorophyll.