Which green pigment is primarily involved in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll is the primary green pigment involved in photosynthesis, the process through which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. Chlorophyll absorbs light most effectively in the blue-violet and red parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, while reflecting green light, which is why plants appear green.

The role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis is crucial, as it is located in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and is responsible for capturing sunlight. This captured light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. This process is vital for the energy flow in ecosystems and contributes to the atmospheric oxygen levels that sustain life on Earth.

Other pigments like carotene, xanthophyll, and phycobilin do assist in photosynthesis, but they play more of a supportive role. Carotene and xanthophyll are accessory pigments that help capture additional light energy and protect the plant from damage caused by excess sunlight. Phycobilin, found in some algae, also serves similar purposes in capturing light, particularly in deeper water where different wavelengths penetrate differently. However, none of these pigments perform the central role in light absorption and energy conversion that chlorophyll does.