Definition: Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. It is crucial for photosynthesis, allowing plants to absorb energy from light.
Etymology & Origin: The term ‘chlorophyll’ comes from the Greek words ‘chloros,’ meaning ‘fresh’ (often associated with the freshness of green vegetation), and ‘phyllon,’ meaning ‘leaf.’ It was coined in the early 19th century by French chemists Pierre-Joseph Pelletier and Joseph Bienaimé Caventou after they isolated the pigment.
Examples:
- Chlorophyll is responsible for the green colour of plants and plays a key role in converting sunlight into energy.
- Scientists study chlorophyll to understand better how plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
- The presence of chlorophyll in algae is one reason why ponds and lakes often have a greenish hue.
