What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in photosynthesis by absorbing light energy, specifically in the visible spectrum, primarily in the blue and red wavelengths. This absorption of light energy is essential for driving the chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Chlorophyll molecules are located within the chloroplasts of plant cells, where they capture sunlight and initiate the photosynthetic process.

When chlorophyll absorbs light, it becomes energized and facilitates the transfer of electrons through various proteins in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast, leading to the formation of energy carriers such as ATP and NADPH. These energy-rich molecules are then utilized in the Calvin cycle to synthesize glucose. Thus, the primary function of chlorophyll in photosynthesis is to capture and utilize light energy to fuel the conversion of inorganic substances into energy-rich organic compounds.