Back to your test review

Which element is located at the centre of the porphyrin ring in chlorophyll?

(a) magnesium Correct
(b) calcium Your answer
(c) potassium Your answer
(d) manganese Your answer

Your answer: Correct answer: (a)

Advertisement

Explanation

Why (a) is correct

Chlorophyll has a porphyrin (tetrapyrrole) head with a magnesium atom at its centre and a long phytol tail.

Why the other options are wrong

(b) · your answer Calcium is not part of the chlorophyll molecule.
(c) · your answer Potassium is an important ion in plants but does not occur in chlorophyll.
(d) · your answer Manganese is needed for splitting water in PS II, but the metal in chlorophyll is magnesium.

NCERT point: Chlorophyll a is the chief pigment of photosynthesis; chlorophyll b, xanthophylls and carotenoids are accessory pigments.

Thank you! We will check this question.

Practise Photosynthesis in Higher Plants

Take a free 15-question NEET Biology test on this chapter. Timed, scored instantly.

Start free test

Similar questions

Chlorophyll a occurs in Photosynthetic pigments in the chloroplast are located in the Which of the following are required for the light reaction of photosynthesis?(A) CO2(B) O2(C) H2O(D) Chlorophyll(E) Ligh…