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. Bacteriochlorophyl a also has been employed as a substrate for green plant chlorophyllase.
