What is the main function of chlorophyll in plants?

Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis, which is the method by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. It is a pigment found primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is responsible for capturing sunlight. When chlorophyll absorbs light, mainly in the blue and red wavelengths, it energizes electrons, which then drive the reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

This photosynthetic process is fundamental not only for the growth and energy supply of the plants themselves but also for virtually all life on Earth, as it generates the oxygen we breathe and forms the base of the food chain. Therefore, the primary function of chlorophyll is closely tied to its role in facilitating photosynthesis, making it essential for the survival of plants and the broader ecosystem.

The other options, while related to plant function, do not directly describe the role of chlorophyll. For example, chlorophyll does not absorb nutrients or transport water, and while it is involved in energy transformation, it is not primarily a storage molecule for energy.