Question

For synthesis of chlorophyll in plants, elements needed are

• A. Sodium and copper
• B. Calcium and potassium
• C. Iron and magnesium
• D. Iron and calcium

Answer 1

The correct option is C Iron and magnesium

Chlorophyll molecules are light trapping green pigments in plants. They are made up of a cyclic tetrapyrrole head and a long phytol tail attached to the head. One atom of magnesium is directly coordinated to the four pyrrole rings in the cyclic tetrapyrrole head. Thus, magnesium is an important structural component of chlorophyll molecules. The iron is an essential micronutrient for plants. It is required for synthesis of chlorophyll and has several other functions also. Plants also require an exposure to light in order to synthesize chlorophyll. In absence of light, plants will be thin and pale. Such plants are called as etiolated plants.