Sunlight is trapped by a substance called Chlorophyll present in the leaves.

Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells, particularly in the leaves. It plays a vital role in the process of photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Explanation:

1. Chlorophyll and its function:
- Chlorophyll is a green pigment that gives plants their characteristic color. It absorbs light energy from the sun, particularly in the red and blue regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, while reflecting green light.
- This pigment is mainly found in the chloroplasts, which are specialized organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells.
- Chlorophyll molecules are arranged in clusters called photosystems within the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts. These photosystems contain chlorophyll molecules that capture sunlight.

2. Photosynthesis and the role of chlorophyll:
- Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (a form of sugar) and release oxygen as a byproduct.
- Sunlight energy is absorbed by chlorophyll molecules in the chloroplasts. This energy excites the electrons within the chlorophyll molecules, allowing them to move to a higher energy level.
- These energized electrons are then passed through a series of electron carriers within the thylakoid membranes, creating an electron transport chain.
- The energy from this electron transport chain is used to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a molecule that stores energy.
- In addition to ATP production, the energized electrons are also used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose molecules, a process known as carbon fixation.

3. Trapping sunlight:
- Chlorophyll is primarily responsible for trapping sunlight during photosynthesis. Its structure allows it to absorb light energy and transfer it to other molecules in the photosystems.
- The energy absorbed by chlorophyll is used to drive the chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis, including the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose.
- Without chlorophyll, plants would not be able to capture sunlight effectively, leading to a decrease in their ability to produce energy-rich molecules like glucose.

In conclusion, chlorophyll is the substance present in the leaves of plants that traps sunlight and plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in the Chloroplast of leaves, it absorbs energy from sunlight.