Why is chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the transformation of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Six carbon dioxide molecules (CO2) and six water molecules (H2O) react to produce one glucose molecule (C6H12O6) and six molecules of oxygen gas (O2). read more

The chlorophyll for photosynthesis is used to provide the energy required for the reaction to take place. The sunlight absorbed by the chlorophyll serves as a catalyst. The use of chlorophyll for photosynthesis occurs in the light portion of the reaction. read more

The role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis is vital. Chlorophyll, which resides in the chloroplasts of plants, is the green pigment that is necessary in order for plants to convert carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight, into oxygen and glucose. read more

Photosynthesis mostly takes place in the mesophyll, or middle layer, of the plant's leaves. Light is also necessary for a plant to produce chlorophyll in the first place. This is why most plants that grow in the sun are green: Chlorophyll is a green pigment. read more