What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll plays a critical role in photosynthesis by capturing light energy, which is essential for the process. This green pigment is found in the chloroplasts of plant cells and absorbs light primarily in the blue and red wavelengths, reflecting green light, which is why plants appear green. The captured light energy is then converted into chemical energy through a series of reactions, ultimately producing glucose and oxygen as products of photosynthesis. This transformation of light energy into chemical energy is the foundation of the entire process, enabling plants to synthesize their own food and serve as primary producers in ecosystems. Since the primary purpose of chlorophyll is to harness light energy for this crucial process, it is the correct answer to the question.