What Is the Name of the Green Pigment in Plants?

Chlorophyll is the pigment in plants that makes them green

The name of the green pigment in plants is chlorophyll. The two types of chlorophyll in plants are called chlorophyll a and b. The structural differences in the two types of pigments allow them to absorb different wavelengths of light.

Function

The function of chlorophyll in plants involves the process of photosynthesis. In this process, chlorophyll absorbs light and converts it into usable energy to fuel growth and other functions necessary for the plant's life.

Location

Chlorophyll is located in a specific cell in plants called chloroplasts. Inside the chloroplasts are compartments called thylakoid membranes which is where the chemical reaction with light takes place.

Fun Fact

The reason that chlorophyll is green is because it does not do a good job of absorbing the green portion of wavelengths in the light spectrum. Since it effectively absorbs red and blue light waves, those colors are not visible to the eye when viewing the pigment.

References

• Absolute Astronomy: Chlorophyll: Facts, Discussion and Encyclopedia Article
• Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin