叶绿素(Chlorophyll, Chl)合成是决定植物光合效率的重要性状, 是决定作物产量的重要因素。参与植物Chl合成、分解代谢及信号调控的基因数目众多, 其中任何一个基因发生突变都有可能引起Chl含量的变化, 从而表现为各种叶色异常甚至导致植株死亡。自然或人工创造突变体, 对于Chl相关基因的功能分析非常必要。目前, Chl突变体己广泛应用于基础研究和生产实践。文章就该研究领域内的最新研究进展进行了概述。

Plant photosynthesis is determined by chlorophyll (Chl) metabolism, which is an important factor of determin-ing crop yield. The genes involved in Chl biosynthesis, catabolism, and related signal regulations are numerous, and the mutation of any of them may change the pigment level, causing abnormities in leaf color and even inducing individual death. Spontaneous or artificial mutants are necessary for functional analysis of Chl related genes. At present, Chl mutants are widely used in foundational research and production practice. This article reviews the latest research progress in this field.