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Glite Dictionary
chlorophyll b

chlorophyll b

5.7
A green substance in plant leaves that helps them make food from sunlight
  • noun
  • /ˈklɔːrəˌfɪl b/
  • Specialized
translation icon : clorofila b
  • Plants contain chlorophyll b for photosynthesis.

Examples

  • The presence of chlorophyll b gives certain plants a darker shade of green.

  • Leaves contain both chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, which work together to absorb light for photosynthesis.

  • Scientists can measure chlorophyll b to assess plant health and light absorption capacity.

  • The presence of chlorophyll b helps capture light energy.

  • Chlorophyll b is essential for plants as it helps in capturing light energy during photosynthesis.

  • In higher plants, chlorophyll b works alongside chlorophyll a to absorb light more efficiently.

  • One function of chlorophyll b is to assist plants in utilizing light energy for photosynthesis.

Surface Forms

chlorophyll b singular
chlorophyll bs plural

Morphology

chlorophyll + B

The phrase is compositional: 'chlorophyll' names the pigment and 'B' functions as a label indicating a subtype, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes a particular form of chlorophyll. Lettered variants are a common scientific naming pattern across languages, making the basic meaning (a specific kind of chlorophyll involved in photosynthesis) readily derivable.

Etymology

Chlorophyll b comes from Greek words chloro meaning 'green' and phyll meaning 'leaf', because it is the green color found in leaves. The 'b' shows it is a second type that works with other chlorophylls to catch light and help plants make food from sunlight.