MDCAT Biology MCQ #537

A student extracts pigments from a spinach leaf. Which structural feature will uniquely distinguish Chlorophyll b from Chlorophyll a?

MDCAT Biology MCQ #537

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A student extracts pigments from a spinach leaf. Which structural feature will uniquely distinguish Chlorophyll b from Chlorophyll a?

    • A) The presence of a magnesium atom in the porphyrin ring
    • B) The presence of an aldehyde group in the porphyrin ring
    • C) The ability to absorb red and blue wavelengths of light
    • D) The solubility of the pigment in organic solvents

    Answer: The presence of an aldehyde group in the porphyrin ring

    Explanation: Chlorophyll a contains a methyl group while b has an aldehyde group; 'a' is the primary pigment, not just an accessory.