Magnesium plays a central role in chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants responsible for photosynthesis. Here’s how:
- Central atom in chlorophyll – Magnesium sits at the very center of the chlorophyll molecule, holding the structure together like the hub of a wheel.
- Captures light energy – Magnesium helps chlorophyll absorb sunlight, especially red and blue light, which is then used to make food for the plant.
- Transfers energy – After capturing sunlight, magnesium helps in passing that energy to the chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
In simple terms, without magnesium, chlorophyll can’t capture sunlight efficiently, and photosynthesis would slow down or stop.