Chlorophyll (Cambridge International IGCSE Biology)

Spec point — 6.1.2 · State that chlorophyll is a green pigment that is found in chloroplasts State that chlorophyll transfers energy from light into energy in chemicals, for the synthesis of carbohydrates

Chlorophyll

• Chlorophyll:

  • is a green pigment that is found in chloroplasts within plant cells
  • reflects green light, giving plants their characteristic green colour
  • absorbs light energy; its role is to transfer energy from light into energy in chemicals, for the synthesis of carbohydrates, such as glucose

• Photosynthesis will not occur in the absence of chlorophyll

Exam Hint Recall that the word equation for photosynthesis is:

$carbon dioxide+water\rightarrow glucose+oxygen_{}$

The reaction between carbon dioxide and water to form glucose and oxygen only occurs in the presence of light, which is absorbed by chlorophyll in chloroplasts. No chlorophyll, no photosynthesis!