Chlorophyll is a pigment present in all green plants and a few other organisms. It is required for photosynthesis, which is the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy. |
The chlorophyll pigment is responsible for the green colouration in plants. Chlorophyll is one among a group of pigments used to convert sunlight energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll absorbs energy from sunlight, and this energy is later used to convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates. The by-product of this process is oxygen.
Besides plants, chlorophyll is found in all photosynthetic organisms such as cyanobacteria.
Chlorophyll exists in several forms but chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are the most common – typically found in higher plants and green algae. Chlorophyll c is found in certain marine algae and Chlorophyll d is found in certain species of cyanobacteria. Even rarer is Chlorophyll e – found only in some golden algae. Interestingly, chlorophyll has a similar structure to haemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells of vertebrates.
More to Read: Explore Differences Between Chlorophyll and Chloroplast
Frequently Asked Questions on Chlorophyll Definition
Define chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll is a pigment present in all green plants and a few other organisms. It is required for photosynthesis, which is the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy.
Do darker leaves have more chlorophyll?
Actually, plants that grow in shady regions contain chlorophyll b, which can absorb low-intensity light. The leaves of such plants are darker compared to the leaves of plants that grow in light with high intensity.
Further Reading:
- Photosynthesis ☀️ (Definition, Process, Stages & Significance)
- Biological Pigments in Plants – Types of Plant Pigments | Uses of Pigments
To explore more about chlorophyll definition, or any other definitions in Biology, register at BYJU’S.
Outstanding