What role does chlorophyll play in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in photosynthesis by capturing light energy from the sun. This green pigment is found in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is essential for the process of converting light energy into chemical energy. When chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, it energizes electrons, which then participate in reactions that ultimately lead to the production of glucose and other sugars. The ability of chlorophyll to absorb specific wavelengths of light—primarily in the blue and red regions of the spectrum—makes it an essential component in the conversion of solar energy to a form that can be used by plants for growth and metabolism.

The other options relate to processes associated with plants but do not accurately describe the primary function of chlorophyll in photosynthesis. Transporting nutrients is more about various transport mechanisms within plant vascular systems, regulating gas exchange pertains to stomata function, and producing sugars is an output of the photosynthesis process influenced by light energy captured by chlorophyll.