Structure and Models of Chlorophyll
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Here is a chime model of Chlorophyll a that is easy to distinguish the ring structure from the tail |
This is chime model of Chlorophyll b and it includes a more realistic position of the ring structure and hydrocarbon tail |
| If you cannot see the models above/do not have chime you can download it at this site | |
The is the structure of a molecule of chlorophyll a. It consists of a complex ring structure and a long hydrocarbon tail. The porphyrin ring consists of an atom of magnesium surrounded by 4 nitrogens and that is surrounded by carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen based molecules. The hydrophobic tail is also made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen based molecules. There are two kinds of chlorophyll; chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b. Click here for a diagram that shows the difference between the two structures.