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Chlorophylls and Carotenoids Chlorophylls Two types of chlorophyll are found in plants and the green algae. chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b The difference in their structures is shown in the figure (red disks). In the chloroplast, both types are associated with integral membrane proteins in the thylakoid membrane.

Note the system of alternating single and double bonds (white bars) that run around the porphyrin ring. Although I am forced to draw the single and double bonds in fixed positions, actually the "extra" electrons responsible for the double bonds are not fixed between any particular pair of carbon atoms but instead are free to migrate around the ring. This property enables these molecules to absorb light.

Both chlorophylls absorb light most strongly in the red and violet parts of the spectrum. Green light is absorbed poorly. Thus when white light shines on chlorophyll-containing structures like leaves, green light is transmitted and reflected and the structures appear green. Carotenoids Chloroplasts also contain carotenoids. These are also pigments with colors ranging from red to yellow.

Carotenoids absorb light most strongly in the blue portion of the spectrum. They thus enable the chloroplast to trap a larger fraction of the radiant energy falling on it.

Carotenoids are often the major pigments in flowers and fruits. The red of a ripe tomato and the orange of a carrot are produced by their carotenoids.

In leaves, the carotenoids are usually masked by the chlorophylls. In the autumn, as the quantity of chlorophyll in the leaf declines, the carotenoids become visible and produce the yellows and reds of autumn foliage.

The figure below shows the structure of beta-carotene, one of the most abundant carotenoids. Note again the system of alternating single and double bonds that in this molecule runs along the hydrocarbon chain that connects the two benzene rings. As in chlorophyll, the electrons of the double bonds actually migrate though the chain and also make this molecule an efficient absorber of light.

Many animals use ingested beta-carotene as a precursor for the synthesis of vitamin A.

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chlorophyll

A chloroplast is shaped like a flattened disc, with a double membrane enclosing the gel-like stroma. The stroma contains cavities, or vesicles, where photosynthesis occurs.Group of pigments including chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, the green pigments present in chloroplasts in most plants; it is responsible for the absorption of light energy during photosynthesis. The pigment absorbs the red and blue-violet parts of sunlight but reflects the green, thus giving plants their characteristic colour. Other chlorophylls include chlorophyll c (in brown algae) and chlorophyll d (found in red algae).

Chlorophyll is found within chloroplasts, present in large numbers in leaves. Cyanobacteria and other photosynthetic bacteria also have chlorophyll, though of a slightly different type. Chlorophyll is similar in structure to haemoglobin, but with magnesium instead of iron as the reactive part of the molecule. Because magnesium is contained in chlorophyll it is considered an essential plant mineral salt. Magnesium can often be a part of a mixture of minerals used as a fertilizer.

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7 January 2011