Which pigment is primarily responsible for absorbing light energy during photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll is the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light energy during photosynthesis. It is found in the chloroplasts of plant cells and plays a crucial role in the process by capturing sunlight, which is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. There are two main types of chlorophyll: chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, both of which absorb light most efficiently in the blue and red wavelengths.

In contrast, carotenoids, including xanthophylls, function as accessory pigments. They help capture additional light energy and protect the plant from photodamage by dissipating excess light. Phycobilins are pigments found mainly in red algae and cyanobacteria and also assist in capturing light but are not the primary pigments in terrestrial plants.

Understanding the specific roles of these pigments highlights why chlorophyll is the central player in photosynthesis, emphasizing its importance in the overall energy conversion process of plants.