What pigment is responsible for the green color in leaves, crucial for photosynthesis?

The pigment responsible for the green color in leaves and is crucial for photosynthesis is chlorophyll. This pigment plays a significant role in the process of photosynthesis by absorbing light, primarily in the blue and red wavelengths, and reflecting green light, which gives leaves their characteristic color. Chlorophyll facilitates the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, enabling plants to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

Without chlorophyll, plants would be unable to effectively harness sunlight to fuel their growth and metabolic functions, making it essential not only for the plant's survival but also for the overall health of ecosystems, as plants form the base of the food chain. While other pigments, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, contribute to the coloration of leaves and can assist in light absorption and photoprotection, they are not primarily responsible for the photosynthetic process like chlorophyll is.