Induction of δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Formation in Etiolated Maize Leaves Controlled by Two Light Systems

Abstract
A short illumination of etiolated maize (Zea mays) leaves with red light causes a protochlorophyll(ide)-chlorophyll(ide) conversion and induces the synthesis of .delta.-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) during a subsequent dark period. In leaves treated with levulinic acid, more ALA is formed in the dark than in control leaves. Far red light does not cause a conversion of protochlorophyll(ide) into chlorophyll(ide) and does not induce accumulation of ALA in the dark. Both red and far red preilluminations cause a significant potentiation of ALA synthesis during a period of white light subsequent to the dark period. A dual light control of ALA formation was indicated. The possible role of phytochrome and protochlorophyllide as photoreceptors in this control system is discussed.