How do chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b differ?

Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b have distinct roles in the photosynthesis process, particularly in terms of the specific wavelengths of light they absorb. Chlorophyll a, the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis, absorbs light predominantly in the blue-violet and red parts of the light spectrum. In contrast, chlorophyll b complements this by absorbing light in the blue and orange-red wavelengths, which broadens the overall spectrum of light utilized by the plant for photosynthesis.

This ability of chlorophyll b to absorb different wavelengths enhances the plant's capacity to capture light energy, allowing it to harness energy from a wider spectrum. Overall, while both types of chlorophyll are crucial, their differing absorption ranges enable plants to maximize their efficiency in photosynthesis. This difference is central to the functioning of the chloroplasts and the process of converting light energy into chemical energy.