What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in photosynthesis primarily by absorbing light energy. It is the green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is responsible for capturing light, especially in the blue and red wavelengths. When chlorophyll absorbs light energy, it becomes energized and facilitates the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This light energy drives the biochemical processes of photosynthesis, making the absorption of light a fundamental aspect of how plants convert solar energy into chemical energy.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of chlorophyll. While oxygen is produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis, chlorophyll itself does not produce oxygen; rather, it enables the process that leads to its production. It does not have a role in transporting nutrients or anchoring the plant in soil, as those functions are managed by other plant structures and mechanisms. Thus, the correct answer highlights the essential function of chlorophyll in harnessing light energy for the process of photosynthesis.