Question

Which of the following chlorophyll does not have a phytol tail?

• A. Chl a
• B. Chl b
• C. Chl c
• D. Chl e

Answer 1

The correct option is C Chl c

The molecular formula of chlorophyll c is $C_{35}{H}_{32}{O}_5{N}_{4}Mg$ and the molecular weight is 712. It lacks phytyl esterification. Consequently, the phytol tail is absent. The pyrrole ring IV is without 2H and there is vinyl or ethyl group at carbon 4 position. It absorbs blue and orange wavelengths of the spectrum giving peaks at 447 and 579 nm. It is found in brown algae, diatoms, as also in Pyrrophyta and Cryptophyta.

So, the correct answer is option C.