Abstract
It is known that chlorophyll is easily decomposed by acid, heat, enzyme, light and other factors. In this study, photodecomposition of chlorophyll in green leaves under various conditions was examined.
The results obtained were as follows:
1) Spinach powder was rapidly discolored by UV light irradiation, and its discoloration was accelerated with increases in temperature and in the presence of oxygen.
2) The color of spinach powder stored under high humidity was deeper than that of the powder stored under low humidity, but color changes induced by UV light irradiation in the former were smaller than those in the latter.
3) Chlorophyll in spinach powder decreased by UV light irradiation, but shifts in the wavelength of maximal absorption were not observed.
4) It is suggested that the rate of photodecomposition of chlorophyll depends on the species of plants.
