According to a study published in the journal ‘Science’, Australian scientists have discovered a new type of chlorophyll, the first new chlorophyll discovered in 60 years.

This new type of chlorophyll named ‘chlorophyll f’ is found in stromatolites–rock-like structures built by cyanobacteria in Western Australia‘s Shark Bay. The new pigment can utilize lower light energy than other known types of chlorophyll. It is the fifth known type of chlorophyll.

The discovery was announced by Dr. Min Chen, a scientist working at the University of Sydney. “Discovering this new chlorophyll has completely overturned the traditional notion that photosynthesis needs high energy light,” Chen said.

Chlorophyll is the green colored pigment that in found in the leaves of plants. It is also found in many bacteria. It enables plants to trap the energy of sunlight and convert it into carbohydrate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Photosynthesis is a crucial process for the sustenance of life on our planet.

Via: English.News.cn