Chlorophyll is a co-ordination compound of ____.

The correct answer is Magnesium.

Key Points

• Chlorophyll is a coordination compound where the central metal ion is magnesium (Mg).
• Magnesium is coordinated with nitrogen atoms present in the tetrapyrrole ring structure of chlorophyll, known as a porphyrin ring.
• It plays a crucial role in the photosynthetic process by capturing light energy for the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
• Magnesium stabilizes the structure of chlorophyll and facilitates energy transfer during photosynthesis.
• Without magnesium, the chlorophyll molecule would not function effectively, leading to impaired photosynthesis in plants.

Additional Information

• Chlorophyll Types:
  • The two most common types of chlorophyll are chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b.
  • Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment for photosynthesis, while chlorophyll b acts as an accessory pigment.
• Porphyrin Ring:
  • The porphyrin ring is a cyclic structure composed of four pyrrole molecules interconnected by methine bridges.
  • This ring structure is responsible for the absorption of light energy during photosynthesis.
• Photosynthesis:
  • It is the process by which plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
  • Chlorophyll is critical in absorbing light energy, especially in the red and blue wavelengths of the visible spectrum.
• Role of Magnesium in Plants:
  • Magnesium is essential for chlorophyll synthesis and is a vital component of the enzyme systems involved in photosynthesis.
  • A deficiency in magnesium can lead to chlorosis, a condition where leaves turn yellow due to reduced chlorophyll levels.
• Coordination Compounds:
  • These are chemical compounds where a central metal atom or ion is bonded to surrounding ligands through coordinate covalent bonds.
  • In chlorophyll, the magnesium ion is coordinated with nitrogen atoms in the porphyrin ring.