Differences Between Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b

An Overview

The leaves are green in colour mainly because of the green colour pigments present within the plant cell called the chlorophyll. This pigment is used by all vascular plants to convert light energy into chemical energy via photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll pigments are also involved in the photosynthesis process by absorbing sunlight required for the production of carbohydrates in the plants. It is found in the thylakoid membranes in the chloroplasts – the green coloured plastids present in the plant cells.

Also Refer: Types of pigments in plant

There are different types of Chlorophyll, among which the Chlorophyll A and Chlorophyll B play a significant role in the biological process of photosynthesis.

Let’s learn about the differences between chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b

Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b – Differences

Chlorophyll a Chlorophyll b
Explanation
Chlorophyll a is the primary photosynthetic pigment Chlorophyll b is the accessory pigment
Presence
It is present in all plants, algae, bacteria, cyanobacteria and phototrophs. It is present only in green algae and in the plants.
Absorbing colour
Absorbs violet-blue and orange-red light from the spectrum. Absorbs orange-red light from the spectrum.
Reflecting colour
It is a blue-green colour. It is a yellow-green colour.
Solubility
It is soluble in petroleum ether. It is soluble in methyl alcohol.
Rate of Absorption
Strong Weak
Adsorbent
It absorbs more red wavelength. It absorbs violet-blue wavelength.
Energy Absorption
It absorbs energy from wavelengths of blue-violet and orange-red light. It absorbs energy from wavelengths of green light.
Absorption Range
It absorbs the light in the range of 430 nm to 660 nm. It absorbs light in the range of 450 nm to 650 nm.
In Porphyrin Ring
Side groups of CH3. CHO group is present other than CH3.
Photosystem
It is the reaction centre of the antenna array of core proteins. It regulates the size of the antenna.
Chemical formula
C55H72MgN4O5 C55H70MgN4O6
Molecular weight
839.51 g/mol. 907.49 g/mol.
Structural Difference
Contains methyl group in the third position of its chlorine ring. Contains an aldehyde group in the third position of its chlorine ring.

Also Refer: Difference Between Chlorophyll and Chloroplast

This concludes some of the basic differences between Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b. Stay tuned with BYJU’S Biology for more differences and other Biology related topics.

 

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  1. I NEED HELP WHILESTUDING PHOTOSYNTHESIS AS I AM WEAK IN IT