132 LIGHT, VEGETATION AND CHLOROPHYLL 



In the molecule of chlorophyll, associated with other 

 molecules of the living plant in which photosynthesis is 

 effected, nature has doubtless created an organization in 

 which these active roles have devolved upon groups of atoms 

 which are constituent parts of the molecules and not upon 

 impurities or accidents of structure. 



It seems certain that the group of atoms where the 

 luminous energy is absorbed is situated in the chlorophyll 

 because the radiations absorbable by chlorophyll and the 

 radiations capable of producing photosynthesis are identical. 

 It is in this group of atoms of the chlorophyll that an electron 

 is displaced by the energy of the photon absorbed. 



What happenes afterwards? Since isolated pure chloro- 

 phyll is inactive, what are the molecules of the Uving plant 

 which must be associated with it to produce photosynthesis? 



The recent success of the photographic theory holds out 

 I hope that these questions will be answered. 



