Chlorophyll in a leaf is required fora)trapping light energyb)emitting...
Chlorophyll present in chloroplasts traps solar energy.
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Chlorophyll in a leaf is required fora)trapping light energyb)emitting...
Role of Chlorophyll in Photosynthesis
Chlorophyll is a vital pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant leaves, playing a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis.
Trapping Light Energy
- Chlorophyll primarily absorbs light energy from the sun, which is essential for photosynthesis.
- It absorbs mainly blue and red wavelengths of light while reflecting green, which is why leaves appear green.
- The absorbed light energy is converted into chemical energy, which is used to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
Importance of Light Energy
- The energy captured by chlorophyll initiates a series of reactions, known as the light-dependent reactions.
- This energy is then used to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are crucial for the subsequent light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle.
Why Other Options are Incorrect
- Emitting Green Energy: Chlorophyll does not emit energy; it reflects green light, which is why leaves look green.
- Breaking Down Water: While chlorophyll plays a role in the process where water molecules are split to release oxygen, it does not directly break down water into hydrogen and oxygen.
- Storing Starch: Chlorophyll is not involved in the storage of starch; rather, glucose produced during photosynthesis can be converted into starch for storage.
In conclusion, chlorophyll's primary function is to trap light energy, making option 'A' the correct answer. Understanding this role is essential for grasping the fundamentals of photosynthesis and plant biology.