chlorophyll (redirected from chlorophyll a)

chlorophyll /chlo·ro·phyll/ (klor´o-fil) any of a group of green magnesium-containing porphyrin derivatives occurring in all photosynthetic organisms; they convert light energy to reducing potential for the reduction of CO2. Preparations of water-soluble chlorophyll salts are used as deodorizers; see chlorophyllin.

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chlo·ro·phyll or chlo·ro·phyl (klôr-fl)

n.

Any of a group of related green pigments found in photosynthetic cells that converts light energy into ATP and other forms of energy needed for biochemical processes; it is found in green plants, brown and red algae, and certain aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

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chlorophyll

[klôr′əfil]

Etymology: Gk, chloros + phyllon, leaf

one of several pigments that absorb light energy and participate in the production of carbohydrates in photosynthetic organisms. Chlorophylls a and b are found in plants, chlorophyll c occurs in brown algae, and chlorophyll d occurs in red algae. See also photosynthesis.

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chlorophyll (klōˑ·rō·fil),

n a nontoxic plant pigment used in the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease, to promote production of erythrocytes and hemoglobin, and to facilitate tissue regeneration. Used by plants to make energy from sunlight.

Chlorophyll.

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chlorophyll (klôr´ōfil),

n the pigment required for photosynthesis in plants.

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chlorophyll

any of a group of green pigments, containing a magnesium-porphyrin complex, that are involved in oxygen-producing photosynthesis in plants. Preparations of water-soluble chlorophyll derivatives are applied topically for deodorization of skin lesions and to stimulate healing. It is also administered orally to deodorize ulcerative lesions and the urine and feces.

A chlorophyll metabolite, phylloerythrin, is the common photodynamic agent in pastured animals with liver damage. The phylloerythrin accumulates because its excretory pathway is the biliary system.