Chlorophyll
The chlorophyll is a pigment contained in plants and algae. It is found specifically in chloroplasts . This substance plays a fundamental role in the chemical reactions that give rise to photosynthesis, the process that produces oxygen and other nutrients that can be used by other living beings on Earth.
This vegetable pigment is responsible for the green color that plants have, so it is only found in those that have this color.
Characteristics
The word originates from the Greek “χλωρος” or “ chloros ” which translates to “green”, and “φύλλον” or “ fýlon ” which means “leaf”. It was discovered in 1817 by scientists Joseph Bienaimé Caventou and Pierre Joseph Pelletier.
Regarding its structure, we can say that it has a porphyrin ring that contains magnesium and that serves to absorb sunlight. It also has a hydrophobic phytol chain that stores chlorophyll in the photosynthetic membrane.
Types of chlorophyll
- A. It is the most important type, since it is in the action centers of the cells that are responsible for generating chemical reactions during the photosynthesis process.
- The B. directly receives the energy of photons (from sunlight) which then sends to chlorophyll A.
- C. It is contained in the chloroplasts of brown algae, heptophytes and diatoms.
- D . It is only found in red algae and a cyanobacterium called acaryochloris marina.
Importance
Due to the simple fact that plants and algae produce the oxygen we need to live, thanks to chlorophyll , the existence of the latter is of vital importance. Along with sunlight, chemical reactions are created that create nutritive molecules, including O 2 .
On the other hand, since the plant pigment is due to the color of the plants, it means that said pigment runs through every millimeter of them. That is why it is inevitable for us to compare it with blood in animals and humans. In fact, many people take chlorophyll in supplements because it helps increase and repair red blood cells.
Finally, the other thing that we can highlight is that this pigment is capable of transforming carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates thanks to the fact that it captures solar energy in an optimal way.
Examples of chlorophyll
Next, you will see the existing forms and their empirical formula:
- Chlorophyll a (C 55 H 72 O 5 N 4 Mg) is found in plants and algae.
- Chlorophyll b (C 55 H 70 O 6 N 4 Mg) is found in plants and green algae.
- Chlorophyll c1 (C 35 H 30 O 5 N 4 Mg) is chromophyte algae.
- Chlorophyll c2 (C 35 H 28 O 5 N 4 Mg) is chromophyte algae.
- Chlorophyll d (C 54 H 70 O 6 N 4 Mg) in some cyanobacteria.
- Chlorophyll f (C 55 H 70 O 6 N 4 Mg) in some cyanobacteria.