During photosynthesis, the chemical that captures sunlight is chlorophyll, a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, primarily from the blue and red wavelengths, and converts it into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This energy transformation is essential for sustaining plant growth and producing oxygen as a byproduct, supporting life on Earth. Photosynthesis represents a critical process in the carbon cycle and forms the basis of the food web.