What is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is the quintessential photosynthetic pigment. It gives the green color present in plants and they are the molecules responsible for the transformation of light energy into chemical energy, in the process called photosynthesis.
The word chlorophyll comes from the Greek ” χλωρος ” or ” chloros ” which means ” green “, and ” φύλλον ” or “fýlon ” that expresses ” leaf “.
Chlorophyll is known as the organic molecules of chloroplasts, characteristic of plant cells. This plant pigment is what allows the photochemical reactions necessary for photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll is first discovered by the chemists Pelletier and Canventou, who in 1817 managed to separate it from the leaves of plants.
Chlorophyll structure
Chlorophyll has in the structure of its molecules a porphyrin ring that contains magnesium and its function is to absorb light and a hydrophobic chain of phytol that maintains chlorophyll included in the photosynthetic membrane.
Due to its molecular structure, chlorophyll through the photosynthesis process allows to convert inorganic energy (carbon dioxide and water) into organic energy (carbohydrates) because it is the receptor of light energy in said process.
Chlorophyll is one of the photosynthetic pigments present in plants. Pigments that give colors that do not belong to green are found in chromoplasts, such as carotenoids.
Types of chlorophyll
In biology, different types of chlorophyll are differentiated:
- The Chlorophyll A is present in the centers of action as plant cells, responsible for photochemical reactions during photosynthesis.
- The chlorophyll B serves as an antenna receiving energy of the photons then transferred to chlorophyll A.
- The chlorophyll C is present in chloroplasts of brown algae, diatoms and haptófitos, and
- The chlorophyll D is found only in red algae and cyanobacteria known as marine Acaryochloris.
Chlorophyll and chloroplasts
Chlorophyll is located in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Chloroplasts are organelles present in the stroma of the plant cell and inside are several coins of thylakoids called grana. Chlorophyll is found within the thylakoid membranes.
Both chlorophyll and chloroplasts are characteristic elements of plant cells and are what make photosynthesis possible.
Chlorophyll benefits
Chlorophyll helps to oxygenate the blood and therefore detoxify our body. Likewise, chlorophyll helps the digestive system to disintegrate calcium oxalate stones in order to eliminate excess acid and is an effective anti-inflammatory.
Chlorophyll helps reduce high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as, strengthens the immune system. However, it combats bad breath caused by tobacco, alcohol and other foods.
In order to enjoy all the benefits that chlorophyll provides, you must consume it, through the intake of vegetables such as: lettuce, spinach, chard, watercress, among others; green drinks what is known as green drinks or, consume it as a supplement, in the form of liquid chlorophyll.
