Copper, iron, and zinc interactions with chlorophyll in extracts of photosynthetic pigments studied by VIS spectroscopy

Abstract

Interactions of copper, iron and zinc with chlorophyll, the major photosynthesis pigment, were studied by VIS spectrophotometry in extracts of photosynthetic pigments (in vitro). Copper predominantly forms Cu-Chl complexes in all studied systems (Cu-, Cu/Fe-, Cu/Zn- and Cu/Fe/Zn-incubated pigment solutions). It is not clear whether iron forms Fe-Chl complexes or produces pheophytin. It’s effect is dominant over zinc (Fe/Zn-system) but highly minor compared to Cu-effect when all three metals are present (Cu/Fe/Zn-Chl system) in the same concentrations.