Bioinorganic chemistry: Chlorophyll is a naturally occurring chelate in which the central metal ion is what? Identify the metal coordinated in the porphyrin-like ring of plant chlorophyll. Choose the correct metal.
General Knowledge
General Science
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: Magnesium (Mg)
Explanation
What is being asked?The central metal in the chlorophyll macrocycle.
Given data
- Chlorophyll is a chelate (chlorin ring analogous to porphyrin)
Concept/ApproachIn chlorophyll a/b, the macrocycle chelates magnesium (Mg2+). (By contrast, heme contains Fe, and plastocyanin contains Cu.)
Final AnswerMagnesium (Mg)