A tribute to Maarib (Darwish Lutfi Bakri) Bazzaz (1940–2020): the one who proved the existence of “new” chlorophylls in plants

Abstract

We present here a tribute to Maarib Bazzaz (1940-2020), formerly Maarib Darwish Lutfi Bakri, who was an innovative and a highly inquisitive plant physiologist of her time. Her research achievements include exploitation of a highly productive mutant of maize (ON8147), of differences between mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts of maize, and of chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis. Above all, she provided convincing scientific proof that, in addition to the usual monovinyl Chl a and monovinyl Chl b, divinyl Chl a (4-vinyl-4-desethyl-Chl a) and divinyl Chl b (4-vinyl-4-desethyl-Chl b) exist in plants. We also include here reminiscences by some of her contemporaries. Particularly noteworthy is how effortlessly Maarib pursued her deep interest in science while raising two wonderful children. She was always curious about life's mysteries and determined to search for answers in a thorough and logical manner. Above all and at all times, she was very kind to others. Keywords Mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts Á Chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis in greening plants Á Monovinyl and divinyl chlorophyll (Chl) a Á Monovinyl and divinyl Chl b Á Olive necrotic mutant of maize Á Debunking three light reactions in photosynthesis ''Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.''-Jala¯l ad-Dı¯n Muhammad Ru¯mı¯, a Sufi mystic (1207-1273 CE)