Grana formation and synthesis of chloroplastic proteins induced by light in portions of etiolated leaves

A comparison between plastids from etiolated and green leaves with the electron microscope shows a radically different structure in these two types of particles. The leucoplasts do not contain grana; they show a finely granular structure. They are smaller than chloroplasts. By simply exposing to light fragments of etiolated leaves, the transformation of leucoplasts into normal characteristic chloroplasts is induced within a few hours. This transformation is accompanied by a significant net synthesis of chloroplastic proteins that occur at the expense of free amino compounds of which etiolated leaves contain a considerable reserve. © 1954.SCOPUS: ar.j