What is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is a green pigment that plays a critical role in the process of photosynthesis, which is how plants convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy. Found primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, chlorophyll absorbs light, mainly in the blue and red wavelengths, while reflecting green light, which is why plants appear green. This pigment is essential for photosynthesis as it facilitates the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, utilizing sunlight as the energy source.

The other options, while important concepts in plant biology, describe different components or functions. Carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis are the result of the process chlorophyll enables, hormones affect various growth and developmental pathways in plants but are distinct from pigments, and a protective barrier of plant cells refers to structures like cell walls or cuticles, which serve functions unrelated to the pigment itself. Understanding the specific role of chlorophyll helps clarify its importance in the broader context of plant science and photosynthesis.