Question

The basic difference between chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b is:

• A. In chlorophyll a, pyrrole ring contains methyl group while in chlorophyll b pyrrole ring contains aldehyde group
• B. In chlorophyll a, pyrrole ring contains aldehyde group while in chlorophyll b pyrrole ring contains methyl group
• C. In chlorophyll a, pyrrole ring contains carboxylic group while in chlorophyll b pyrrole ring contains aldehyde group
• D. In chlorophyll a, pyrrole ring contains methyl group while in chlorophyll b pyrrole ring contains carboxylic group

Hint:

The structural difference between chlorophyll a and b allows plants to absorb light more efficiently and optimize photosynthesis by capturing a broader spectrum of light.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The main difference between chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b lies in the structure of the pyrrole ring. In chlorophyll a, the pyrrole ring contains a methyl group (-CH3) at one of the positions, whereas in chlorophyll b, the pyrrole ring contains an aldehyde group (-CHO) at that same position. This structural difference is what gives the two types of chlorophyll different light absorption properties, allowing them to absorb slightly different wavelengths of light.
- Option (2) is incorrect because the groups in chlorophyll a and b are reversed. Chlorophyll a has a methyl group, and chlorophyll b has an aldehyde group.
- Option (3) is incorrect because neither chlorophyll a nor b contains a carboxylic group in the pyrrole ring.
- Option (4) is incorrect because chlorophyll b contains an aldehyde group, not a carboxylic group in the pyrrole ring.
Thus, the correct answer is option (1): In chlorophyll a, pyrrole ring contains methyl group while in chlorophyll b pyrrole ring contains aldehyde group.