Chlorophyll a
Chlorophyll a (pronounced: klor-uh-fil a) is a specific form of chlorophyll used in oxygenic photosynthesis. It absorbs most energy from wavelengths of violet-blue and orange-red light. It also reflects green-yellow light, and as such contributes to the observed green color of most plants.
Etymology
The term "chlorophyll" comes from the Greek words chloros (green) and phyllon (leaf). The "a" in Chlorophyll a is a designation used in the classification of chlorophylls, which are distinguished by the side groups on the chlorin ring.
Structure
Chlorophyll a has a structure consisting of a chlorin ring, which is a heterocyclic compound containing nitrogen. This ring is known as a porphyrin. The chlorin ring is coordinated to a central atom, which is magnesium in chlorophyll a.
Function
Chlorophyll a is essential in photosynthesis, allowing plants to absorb energy from light. It is found in the chloroplasts of green plants and algae. It is also found in prokaryotic cyanobacteria which are responsible for introducing photosynthesis into early Earth's atmosphere.
Related Terms
- Chlorophyll b: An accessory pigment that collects energy and passes it on to chlorophyll a.
- Chlorophyll c: Another form of chlorophyll found in certain marine algae and photosynthetic bacteria.
- Chloroplast: An organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs.
- Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the aid of chlorophyll pigments.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chlorophyll a
- Wikipedia's article - Chlorophyll a
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