An enzyme that breaks down chlorophyll molecules by removing the phytol tail and metal ion, occurring naturally in plants during leaf senescence.
From chlorophyll plus -ase (enzyme suffix). Established in 20th-century biochemistry when scientists identified this specific enzyme's function in chlorophyll degradation.
Chlorophyllase is why autumn leaves turn brilliant colors—as chlorophyllase breaks down green chlorophyll, it reveals yellow xanthophyll and red anthocyanin pigments that were hidden underneath the whole time, so fall colors are literally an enzymatic unveiling.
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