What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll is a green pigment that plays a vital role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to fuel their growth and survival. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy from the sun and uses it to power the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose.

During photosynthesis, chlorophyll molecules are embedded in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, organelles found in the cells of green plants and algae. When light strikes a chlorophyll molecule, it excites an electron, which is then passed down a series of electron transport chains, generating energy that is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Chlorophyll absorbs light most efficiently in the blue and red parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, but poorly in the green part, which is why plants appear green to the human eye. In addition to chlorophyll, plants contain other pigments such as carotenoids and phycobilins, which also absorb light and contribute to the range of colors seen in plant leaves and other tissues.