Chlorophyll b

Chlorophyll b (pronounced: klor-uh-fil bee) is a form of chlorophyll that is essential for photosynthesis in plants.

Etymology

The term "chlorophyll" comes from the Greek words "chloros" meaning green and "phyllon" meaning leaf. The "b" in chlorophyll b denotes it as a specific type of chlorophyll molecule.

Description

Chlorophyll b is a green pigment found in cyanobacteria, algae, and plants. It is an accessory pigment to chlorophyll a, meaning it assists chlorophyll a in capturing light energy. Chlorophyll b absorbs light in a region of the spectrum that chlorophyll a does not, and re-emits the absorbed energy as light of a wavelength that chlorophyll a can absorb. This extends the range of light a plant can use for energy.

Structure

The structure of chlorophyll b is very similar to that of chlorophyll a. It has a complex ring structure with a magnesium ion at the center. The difference between the two molecules lies in one of the side chains on the ring. In chlorophyll a, there is a -CH3 group, while in chlorophyll b, there is a -CHO group.

Function

The primary role of chlorophyll b is to absorb light energy and transfer it to chlorophyll a, which can then use the energy to carry out the reactions of photosynthesis. This process is crucial for the survival of plants and other photosynthetic organisms, as it allows them to convert light energy into chemical energy.

Related Terms

• Chlorophyll a
• Photosynthesis
• Pigment
• Cyanobacteria
• Algae

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Chlorophyll b
• Wikipedia's article - Chlorophyll b

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