Chlorophyll

Definition

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells and other photosynthetic organisms. It plays a crucial role in absorbing light energy for photosynthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chlorophyll primarily absorbs light in the blue and red wavelengths but reflects green light, giving plants their green color.
2. Chlorophyll molecules are embedded in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.
3. There are several types of chlorophyll, with chlorophyll a being the most common and essential for oxygenic photosynthesis.
4. Chlorophyll's structure includes a porphyrin ring that coordinates a magnesium ion at its center.
5. The efficiency of photosynthesis can be impacted by the concentration and health of chlorophyll within plant cells.

Review Questions

• What role does chlorophyll play in photosynthesis?
• Where within a plant cell is chlorophyll located?
• How does chlorophyll contribute to the green color of plants?

Related terms

Photosynthesis: The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy using chlorophyll.

Thylakoid:

A membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Chloroplast:

An organelle found in plant cells that contains chlorophyll and is responsible for carrying out photosynthesis.