In the history of plant biochemistry, chlorophyll was first successfully isolated and named by which scientist or team of scientists?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Caventou and Pelletier

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plant leaves and other photosynthetic organisms that plays a central role in capturing light energy for photosynthesis. Knowing who first isolated and named chlorophyll is part of basic history of science questions that often appear in general science and competitive exams. This question checks your awareness of the scientists associated with early research on plant pigments and photosynthesis.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The key substance is chlorophyll, the green pigment of plants.
  • The options include individual scientists Caventou and Pelletier, their combination and one incorrect self referential choice.
  • We must identify who both isolated and named the pigment chlorophyll.


Concept / Approach:
Historically, two French pharmacists and chemists, Pierre Joseph Pelletier and Joseph Bienaime Caventou, are credited with the first successful isolation and naming of chlorophyll in the early nineteenth century. Many standard general science references mention both names together. Options that list only one of them are incomplete, and an option that simply repeats the term chlorophyll is clearly not a person. Therefore the correct answer is the pair Caventou and Pelletier.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that chlorophyll is a plant pigment central to photosynthesis. Step 2: Remember that historical credit for isolating chlorophyll is given to two French scientists working together. Step 3: Identify these scientists as Pelletier and Caventou from general science reading. Step 4: Examine the options and notice that one choice lists both names together, which matches the historical record. Step 5: Confirm that options naming only one person or none cannot be fully correct. Step 6: Choose Caventou and Pelletier as the correct option.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard school level science books and many competitive exam guides state that Pelletier and Caventou isolated chlorophyll around 1817 and introduced the name. If you cross check with such sources, you will find both names always mentioned as a pair. This repeated presentation in textbooks is a reliable way to verify that the correct answer is the combined option rather than either name alone.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Caventou: Although he was one of the two scientists involved, he did not work alone. Choosing only his name ignores the joint work with Pelletier.
Pelletier: Similar to Caventou, he was part of the team but not solely responsible. The historically accurate credit goes to both scientists together.
Chlorophyll: This is the name of the pigment, not the name of a scientist, so it cannot be the answer to a question asking who isolated and named it.


Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to remember only one of the two names and then select that single name under exam pressure. Another pitfall is to rush through the options and not notice that there is a combined option listing both scientists. To avoid this, always read all the options completely and look for the most accurate and complete statement, especially in questions about historical credit where collaborative work is common.


Final Answer:
Chlorophyll was first isolated and named by the team of Caventou and Pelletier working together.

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