Which green pigment absorbs light for photosynthesis in tree leaves?

Chlorophyll is the green pigment that absorbs light for photosynthesis in tree leaves. It is found inside chloroplasts, where it captures mainly blue and red wavelengths and helps transfer their energy into the photosynthetic machinery.

Leaves look green because chlorophyll absorbs green light less efficiently than blue and red light; much of the green portion is reflected or transmitted. Chlorophyll molecules are arranged in photosystems embedded in thylakoid membranes, where absorbed energy drives electron movement and helps power sugar production.

Green plants commonly use chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. Chlorophyll a is the primary reaction-center pigment, while chlorophyll b helps broaden the range of light collected and passes energy toward reaction centers.

Chlorophyll is not the only pigment in a leaf. Carotenoids provide yellow, orange, and red hues and help absorb additional wavelengths. In autumn, chlorophyll production declines, revealing these accessory pigments and sometimes allowing red anthocyanins to become more visible.