To chemists chlorophyll is the remarkable molecule by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. If there were no chlorophyll there would be no plant or animal life. Since the cells in all animal life cannot utilize sunlight directly, it is through the chlorophyll in plants that sunlight is absorbed and its energy stored in their cells.
Briefly, here is what takes place: this marvelous compound, which only God can make, absorbs light energy and uses it to combine molecules of carbon dioxide from the air into a simple sugar called glucose. Glucose is further converted by the plant into other starches and fiber, which are the principal components of green trees, plants and grass. Chlorophyll is the means by which carbon is separated and passed along to make this food.
Now when this process takes place, oxygen is produced, which the plant cannot use. The Creator has at this point provided a wonderful exchange between animal and plant life. Chlorophyll enables the trees and other plant growth to get rid of the oxygen by releasing it into the air through leaves and other surfaces. Oxygen, as we know, is exactly what animal and human life require, so the release of oxygen by plants is essential to maintain the amount we need in the air to breathe.
But that’s only half the story. When exhaling, all breathing creatures release carbon dioxide into the air. This completes its cycle when absorbed by growing plants. With the action of chlorophyll the whole process is thus kept in motion, maintaining life all the time. How wise God has been in all His marvelous creation!
Yet chlorophyll, for all its wonders, is only active when cells are exposed to sunlight. This is evident when a healthy plant is moved into a dark room or basement, soon losing its color and beginning to die. But if brought back to a sun porch or bright room, it will once more become green and strong, because chlorophyll can take over its duties again and revive it.
In many ways this is a picture to us - a reminder that the need of every Christian is to “walk in the light” of God’s Word, the Bible. This is the only way we can have joy and happiness, as well as being able to bring others to know the love of God and salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you a healthy Christian?
FEBRUARY 5, 1995
ML-02/05/1995