The main component of chloroplasts that captures light energy is chlorophyll. This green pigment is vital for the process of photosynthesis, allowing plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. Chlorophyll absorbs light primarily in the blue and red wavelengths while reflecting green light, which is why plants appear green. The efficient capture of light energy enables autotrophic organisms to synthesize their own food and contributes to the overall energy flow in ecosystems.