What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

• A. It absorbs light energy to drive the light-dependent reactions
• B. It stores glucose produced in photosynthesis
• C. It transports electrons in the Calvin cycle
• D. It converts carbon dioxide to glucose directly

Answer: (A)

Chlorophyll’s role in photosynthesis is to absorb light energy and use it to drive the light-dependent reactions. By capturing photons, chlorophyll becomes excited and starts the electron transport chain in the thylakoid membranes, powering the splitting of water and the production of ATP and NADPH. These energy-rich compounds are then used in the next stage to convert carbon dioxide into sugars. Chlorophyll does not store glucose, transport electrons in the Calvin cycle, or directly convert CO2 to glucose; those tasks are handled later by carbohydrate synthesis and various enzymes using the energy carriers produced from the light-dependent reactions.