How Is Pheophytin Used?

Pheophytin or phaeophytin (abbreviated Pheo) is a chemical compound that serves as the first electron carrier intermediate in the electron transfer pathway of Photosystem II (PS II) in plants, and the type II photosynthetic reaction center (RC P870) found in purple bacteria.

What is the purpose of pheophytin?

The function of pheophytin is to carry excited electrons from photosystem II and dump them off at the plastoquinone Q A during photosynthesis.

What is the difference between pheophytin and chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is a dominant pigment of fresh green tea leaves, while the pheophytin amount is very low. During the storage process, acidity increases, which causes the loss of the magnesium ion in the chlorophylls and produces an olive-brown solid (pheophytin) [4].

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.