Chromophore

Definition

A chromophore is a part of a molecule responsible for its color. It absorbs certain wavelengths of light and reflects others, giving the molecule its visible color.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chromophores are essential in photosynthesis as they absorb light energy.
2. In plants, chlorophyll is a key chromophore that absorbs blue and red light most efficiently.
3. The structure of a chromophore determines which wavelengths of light it can absorb.
4. Changes in the environment, such as pH or binding with other molecules, can alter a chromophore's absorption properties.
5. Chromophores play a crucial role in plant sensory systems by detecting light quality and quantity, influencing growth and development.

Review Questions

• What role do chromophores play in photosynthesis?
• Which wavelengths of light does chlorophyll, a common plant chromophore, absorb most effectively?
• How can environmental changes affect the absorption properties of a chromophore?

Related terms

Chlorophyll:

A green pigment found in plants that acts as a primary photoreceptor in photosynthesis.

Photon: A particle representing a quantum of light or other electromagnetic radiation.

Phototropism:

The growth response of a plant toward or away from light.