Which one of the following is not a function of chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is a vital pigment in photosynthesis that performs several key functions. It is responsible for the absorption of photons (light energy) from the sun [1]. This absorbed energy is then used for the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, specifically by exciting electrons that are transferred through an electron transport chain to produce ATP and NADPH [3]. Furthermore, chlorophyll is essential for the splitting of water molecules (photolysis) into hydrogen and oxygen, a process that provides electrons to replace those lost by chlorophyll during excitation [4]. However, the oxidation of carbohydrates is not a function of chlorophyll; rather, photosynthesis involves the reduction of carbon dioxide to form carbohydrates [5]. Oxidation of carbohydrates is a characteristic of cellular respiration, which releases energy, whereas chlorophyll's role is centered on energy capture and storage during photosynthesis.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > QUESTIONS > p. 82
2. [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 13: Plant Diversity of India > Leaves: > p. 204
3. [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9861/
4. [4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5264509/
5. [5] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/photosynthesis/