What is the function of chlorophyll in plants?

The function of chlorophyll in plants is to capture light energy. Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is essential for the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, chlorophyll absorbs light, primarily from the sun, allowing plants to convert light energy into chemical energy. This energy is then used to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, which are fundamental for the plant's growth and energy needs.

Understanding the role of chlorophyll emphasizes its importance in the ecosystem, as it is crucial not only for the plant itself but also for the overall support of life on Earth by producing oxygen and serving as the base of the food chain. While other functions like regulating water loss and storing nutrients are important in plant biology, they do not directly involve chlorophyll's primary role in harnessing light energy. Preventing disease is also an essential aspect of plant health, but it is not a function of chlorophyll itself.