Which green pigment enables plants to manufacture food (photosynthesis)?

• A. Chlorophyll
• B. Carotene
• C. Anthocyanin
• D. Xanthophyll

Answer: (A)

Chlorophyll is the green pigment that captures light energy to power photosynthesis, the process plants use to turn carbon dioxide and water into sugars. It mainly absorbs blue and red light and reflects green, which is why leaves look green. This light energy drives the light-dependent reactions that supply the chemical energy and building blocks for making food. Other pigments like carotene and xanthophyll are accessory pigments that help broaden the range of light a plant can use and protect chlorophyll, while anthocyanin mainly contributes to red or purple colors and doesn’t drive the photosynthetic process. So, the pigment that enables plants to manufacture food is chlorophyll.