Chlorophyll (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Chlorophyll in Photosynthesis

• Chlorophyll is a green pigment that is present inside plant cells

  • Chlorophyll reflects green light and so gives plants their characteristic green colour

• Chlorophyll is found within chloroplasts

*Kelvinsong, CC BY 3.0, via *Wikimedia Commons

Chlorophyll can be seen within chloroplasts under a light microscope

Chlorophyll in Photosynthesis: Extended

Extended Tier Only

• The role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis is to absorb light energy

• Chlorophyll transfers this light energy into chemical energy during the synthesis of carbohydrates

  • Glucose is an example of a carbohydrate that contains stored chemical energy