What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in photosynthesis by capturing light energy from the sun. This light energy is essential for the process of converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, which are vital products of photosynthesis. Specifically, chlorophyll molecules are located in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where they absorb sunlight, primarily in the blue and red wavelengths. This absorbed energy excites electrons, initiating a series of reactions known as the light-dependent reactions. These reactions ultimately lead to the synthesis of glucose from CO2 and water during the Calvin cycle, while releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of chlorophyll. For instance, chlorophyll does not absorb carbon dioxide, which is instead taken up through the stomata of leaves. Additionally, chlorophyll is not involved in the absorption of nutrients from the soil; that role is primarily performed by the plant's root system. Lastly, chlorophyll is not directly involved in cellular respiration, which is a separate process that occurs in mitochondria, where glucose is broken down to release energy. Thus, the primary role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis is indeed to capture light energy to facilitate the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.