Abstract: During the past 20 years，the pathway of chlorophyll breakdown has been deep- investigated，especially the structure elucidation of nonfluorescent chlorophyll catabolites which is crucial for the cognizance of chlorophyll breakdown pathway. The effects of some catabolic enzymes involved in the chlorophyll degradation have been further demonstrated and part of the pathway is revised and completed. Moreover，the physiologic roles of chlorophyll catabolites enrich the significance of chlorophyll breakdown which is not only a prerequisite to detoxify the phototoxic pigments catabolites，but also is relevant to the viability of senescent leaves and ripening frui.

Key words: chlorophyll breakdown, catabolite, pathway, chlorophyll catabolic enzymes, senescence