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Bioinorganic chemistry: Chlorophyll is a naturally occurring chelate in which the central metal ion is what? Identify the metal coordinated in the porphyrin-like ring of plant chlorophyll. Choose the correct metal.

Difficulty: Easy

Magnesium (Mg)
Iron (Fe)
Copper (Cu)
Calcium (Ca)

Correct Answer: Magnesium (Mg)

Explanation:

What is being asked?
The central metal in the chlorophyll macrocycle.

Given data

Chlorophyll is a chelate (chlorin ring analogous to porphyrin)

Concept/Approach
In chlorophyll a/b, the macrocycle chelates magnesium (Mg²⁺). (By contrast, heme contains Fe, and plastocyanin contains Cu.)

Final Answer
Magnesium (Mg)

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