Skip to main content

Chlorophyll

/KLOR-oh-fil/
🦋 Ecology Basic

A family of green pigments found in chloroplasts that absorb red and blue light while reflecting green light, giving plants their characteristic color. Chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Etymology

From Greek chloros (green) + phyllon (leaf).

Example

In autumn, as chlorophyll breaks down, hidden yellow and orange pigments are revealed.

Related Terms