Plants are green due to chlorophyll, a pigment within their chloroplasts that absorbs sunlight used for photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll: The Green Pigment
Chlorophyll is the key to understanding why plants are green.
- What it is: Chlorophyll is a pigment found within chloroplasts, the "engines" of plant cells (Reference: 11-Mar-2020).
- Its Role: It captures light energy, particularly from the sun, to power photosynthesis.
- Why Green: Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light most effectively, reflecting green light. This reflected green light is what we perceive, making the plant appear green (Reference: 11-Mar-2020).
Photosynthesis: The Process
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
- Ingredients: Plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
- The Result: They produce sugars (energy compounds) and oxygen (Reference: 11-Mar-2020).
- Chloroplasts' Role: This entire process occurs within chloroplasts, with chlorophyll capturing the crucial light energy (Reference: 11-Mar-2020).
Summary Table: Chlorophyll and Photosynthesis
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Chlorophyll | A green pigment within chloroplasts. |
| Function | Absorbs sunlight to drive photosynthesis, reflecting green light. |
| Photosynthesis | The process of converting light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars and oxygen. |
| Chloroplasts | The organelles where photosynthesis occurs, housing chlorophyll and other necessary components (Reference: 11-Mar-2020). |
