An evergreen mind and a heart for the colors of fall

Abstract With the finest biochemical and molecular approaches, convincing explorative strategies, long-term vision, Stefan Hörtensteiner succeeded in elucidating pathway responsible for chlorophyll degradation. After having contributed to identification of key degradation products course past 25 years, he gradually identified characterized most crucial players PAO/phyllobilin chlorophyll. He was one brightest plant biochemists his generation, work opened doors a better understanding senescence, tetrapyrrole homeostasis, their complex regulation. sadly passed away on 5 December 2020, aged 57.