Effects of chelators and inhibitors of proteases and ATP-generating systems on the red-light-induced degradation of phytochrome were examined in apical segments of epicotyl from 7-day-old, etiolated pea seedlings. The results suggest that a serine protease(s) is involved in degradation of phytochrome, and that the protease(s) and/or the degradation process requires Fe2+ and/or Zn2+ and ATP.