Chlorophyll is a green pigment present in plants, algae, and some bacteria.
This article details the role and function of chlorophyll, as well as its structure and absorption spectrum.
The green magic that is the key to photosynthesis
1. What is chlorophyll?
2. Chlorophyll and its role
3. Chlorophyll Structure and Absorption Spectrum
What is chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is a green pigment that is widely present in plants, algae, and some bacteria.
It plays an important role in photosynthesis, enabling the process by which plants capture energy from the sun and synthesize organic matter from it. It is found in cell organelles called chloroplasts, where photosynthesis takes place.
Chlorophyll is also related to heme because its chemical structure resembles a porphyrin ring.
The beautiful green color is due to chlorophyll’s ability to absorb blue and red wavelengths of visible light and reflect green light.
Chlorophyll is believed to have a variety of health benefits beyond photosynthesis, and is believed to be involved in antioxidant activity, immune enhancement, and blood purification.
For this reason, green and yellow vegetables and superfoods containing chlorophyll are attracting attention.
2. Chlorophyll and its role
Chlorophyll plays a central role in photosynthesis.
First, chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which initiates a photochemical reaction
which is called the “light capture reaction” (see Figure 1). When chlorophyll captures light, its energy is transferred to electrons, causing a phenomenon similar to the photoelectric effect.
These excited electrons are transferred to other molecules through the electron transfer chain and are ultimately involved in reactions such as carbon dioxide fixation and water splitting.
In other words, chlorophyll plays a role in converting light energy into chemical energy.
3.Chlorophyll Structure and Absorption Spectrum
Chlorophyll has a complex chemical structure, with chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b as the major types.
These types share a common structure, the porphyrin ring, although there are some differences.
The porphyrin ring has a central magnesium ion bound to it, which is responsible for absorbing light.
The absorption spectrum of chlorophyll shows high absorption peaks mainly in the blue and red wavelength regions.
Therefore, chlorophyll efficiently absorbs light energy at these wavelengths and uses it for photosynthesis.
In addition, chlorophyll b has a higher absorption capacity for red light than chlorophyll a, and plays a role in extending the range of photosynthesis.
