What type of biological molecule is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is classified as a type of pigment, which is a substance that can absorb light and helps in the process of photosynthesis. Specifically, chlorophyll is critical in capturing light energy from the sun, primarily in the blue and red wavelengths, and converting it into chemical energy within plants. This pigment is found in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is responsible for the green color of plants, allowing them to harness energy from sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.

In the context of this question, other types of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, play different roles in biological systems. Carbohydrates primarily serve as energy sources and structural components, proteins act as enzymes and facilitate various cellular functions, and lipids function mainly in energy storage and forming cellular membranes. Chlorophyll’s specific role as a pigment in the photosynthetic process distinguishes it from these other categories of biological molecules.