Types

• Chlorophyll exists in two forms in all green plants. These molecule forms are known as either chlorophyll-a or chlorophyll-b. They differ only in the presence of one carbon sidechain, but this difference dictates which light wavelengths are absorbed or reflected. Chlorophyll-a tends to absorb more violet and red light, while chlorophyll-b absorbs more blue and orange light. Between the two types, marked amounts of green light reflect back and appear green to the human eye. Chlorophyll-c also exists in algae, but not in land plants like grass.
  
  

Role of Soil Nutrients

• The core of chlorophyll molecules comprises a lone magnesium atom surrounded by four nitrogen atoms. When soil lacks either of these nutrients to supply to plants for root absorption, plants fail to produce chlorophyll. Leaves may take on a yellowish or whitish hue. In fertile soils where nutrients are plentiful, grass remains consistently green. In impoverished soil or soil that leaches nutrients quickly, such as sand, fertilizer products are applied to provide the grass plants with the nitrogen and magnesium to again build up the number of chlorophyll molecules made in leaves.
  
  

Variations

• Not all grasses look the same shade of green. This depends on plant species, as differing proportions of chlorophyll molecules exist genetically and in proximity to other plant pigments like flavanoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids. Moreover, some grass blades may contain more proteins or thick cell wall structures that visually dilute or deepen the look of green. Therefore, some grasses may look deep jade green, while others appear pale blue-green or dark blackish green.
  
  

Effective Dye

• Chlorophyll-a retains its ability to reflect green light even when extracted from plant cells. It's used as a commercial dye, called natural green 3. Witness the strength and durability of chlorophyll-a as a clothing dye simply by dragging your pant knees across grass blades. Considerable amounts of diluting water and bond-breaking detergent is required to lift the pigment from fabric fibers.