Question

For synthesis of chlorophyll in plants, elements needed are
A. Sodium and copper
B. Calcium and potassium
C. Iron and magnesium
D. Iron and calcium

Answer 1

Hint: Chlorophyll is a green coloured pigment that is found in plants and helps in photosynthesis. The structure of chlorophyll is similar to that of haemoglobin. Chlorophyll contains a porphyrin ring attached to a magnesium atom. An element that is also an important component of haemoglobin is known to be crucial during the synthesis of chlorophyll.

Complete answer:
- For the synthesis of chlorophyll in plants, the elements needed are iron and magnesium.
- Chlorophyll is an important component of the process of photosynthesis, which is the process by which light energy from the sun is converted to chemical energy to be utilized by the plants for growth. The light is absorbed by chlorophyll present in the plant.
- Magnesium is a mobile and essential element that is important for the growth and development of a plant. It forms an integral component of the chlorophyll. It is the central component of chlorophyll, around which there is a nitrogen-containing porphyrin ring.
- Since magnesium is an essential part of the structure, it is highly needed for the synthesis of chlorophyll.
- Iron is an important element as it is required for the formation of chlorophyll in plants. It also plays a role in maintaining the structural integrity of chloroplast, the structure within which chlorophyll is present.
- Chlorophyll also has medicinal uses – detoxification, wound healing, reducing bad breath, and treating constipation. Iron and magnesium are the elements that are required for the synthesis of chlorophyll in plants.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Chlorophyll is a naturally occurring pigment and along with plants, it is also found in some microorganisms like cyanobacteria. Since they play a major role in photosynthesis, all the plants and organisms that contain chlorophyll are known as photosynthetic organisms.