Question

Chlorophyll a is characterised by which of the following the side group?

• A. Methyl
• B. Aldehyde
• C. Phytol
• D. Ketone

Answer 1

The correct option is A Methyl

The chlorophyll a molecule consists of a head and a tail. The head consists of porphyrin ring or a tetrapyrrole nucleus from which extends a tail called phytol tail. The porphyrins are complex carbon-nitrogen molecules that usually surround a metal. In chlorophyll the porphyrin surrounds a central magnesium atom. Four pyrrole rings make up the tetrapyrrole head of chlorophyll. The molecule of chlorophyll b differs from chlorophyll a in having an aldehyde group attached to pyrrole ring 3 instead of a methyl group as in chlorophyll a.