Chlorophylls

Autotrophic organisms possess chlorophyll, in chloroplasts, to conduct photosynthesis. There are a few forms of chlorophyll described below, and can be assigned to evolutionary groups.

Chlorophyll a

Chlorophyll molecule that absorbs mostly violet-blue and orange-red light. This pigment is found in plants, algae, cyanobacteria, and prochlorophytes

Chlorophyll b

Chlorophyll molecule that absorbs mostly blue light. This pigment is found in green algae, land plants, and prochlorophytes

Chlorophyll c

Chlorophyll molecule that makes a golden or brownish color and is an accessory pigment. This pigment is found in SAR supergroup such as dinoflagellates, diatoms, and brown algae

Chlorophyll d

Chlorophyll molecule that absorbs far-red light, at 710 nm wavelength, which is still available in deep ocean settings. This pigment is found in red algae and cyanobacteria.

Chlorophyll f

Chlorophyll molecule that absorbs further in the red (infrared light) than other chlorophylls. In 2010, it was reported from stromatolites from Western Australia's Shark Bay.

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