A green pigment found in plants and algae that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. The molecule contains a magnesium atom at its center and is responsible for capturing photons to drive the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose.
From Greek 'chloros' meaning green and 'phyllon' meaning leaf, coined by French chemists in 1818. The name literally means 'green leaf,' reflecting the pigment that gives plants their characteristic color.
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