The Effects of Chlorine on Chlorophyll of Plants

Chlorophyll

• Chlorophyll pigments consist of individual molecules that function as receptors for different energy wavelengths contained in sunlight. Chlorophyll molecules reside inside leaf and stem membranes in a side-by-side array known as a photosystem. In effect, these molecules capture the energy contained inside light and pass packets of energy from one cell to another. Within a photosystem, only one chlorophyll molecule handles the actual conversion of energy into sugar. During the photosynthesis process, chlorine materials assist chlorophyll molecules in carrying out energy to sugar conversions.

Chlorine

• A plant pulls chlorine up through its root system in the form of chloride. Chloride is an ionized form of chlorine, meaning the resulting chlorine molecule carries an electric charge. These electrical charges make it possible for chlorine to assist in plant biochemical and physiological processes. Within the photosynthesis process, chlorophyll molecules use chloride ions to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen. This process takes place within photosystem II, which carries out the second stage of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll molecules capture energy from light in photosystem I and begin the process of converting this energy into sugars during photosystem II.

Water Levels

• The water levels present between plant cells plays a pivotal role in the movement of needed materials, such as water, nutrients and gases, in and out of cells. In order for chlorophyll molecules to access available water materials, leaf and stem surfaces must pull water into working cells. Within the photosynthesis process, the electrical charges from chloride ions help to create a pressure or force against cell membrane walls. This pressure acts as a suction to allow needed water and carbon dioxide materials access to chlorophyll molecules. As water moves in, chlorophyll breaks down each molecule into its component parts.

Gas Exchanges

• Chlorophyll molecules regulate the gas exchanges that take place during photosynthesis. Gas exchanges involve the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the expulsion of oxygen gases as byproducts. In order to do this, chlorine and potassium ions exert pressure on cell membrane walls as chlorophyll molecules combine water and light materials. The pressure created results from the electrical charges carried by chlorine and potassium ions. In effect, gas exchange processes and water pressure work together to assist chlorophyll molecules within the photosynthesis process.