chlorophyll is a vital green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. it is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy to fuel plant growth. chlorophyll absorbs light most efficiently in the blue and red wavelengths and reflects green, giving plants their characteristic color. it also serves as a source of the compound phytol, used in the synthesis of vitamin e and vitamin k1 in humans.
chemical properties
molecular weight:
chlorophyll a: 893.49 g/mol
chlorophyll b: 907.50 g/mol
structure: porphyrin ring with a central magnesium ion (Mg2+)
types: chlorophyll a, b, c, d, and f (a and b are most common in higher plants)
solubility: soluble in ethanol, acetone, and lipids; insoluble in water
chemical formula:
usefulness in biology and medicine
chlorophyll plays a critical role in capturing solar energy for photosynthesis.