A major element found in chlorophyll is magnesium (Mg). Chlorophyll molecules have a central magnesium ion embedded within a porphyrin or chlorin ring structure, where four nitrogen atoms surround and coordinate the magnesium atom. This magnesium ion is essential for the molecule's ability to absorb light energy during photosynthesis
. In summary:
- Chlorophyll's core structure is a porphyrin (or chlorin) ring with four nitrogen atoms.
- At the center of this ring is a magnesium ion (Mg²⁺).
- The magnesium ion stabilizes the structure and plays a key role in capturing light energy for photosynthesis.
This magnesium-centered structure distinguishes chlorophyll from other similar pigments like heme, which contains iron instead of magnesium
