What happens to photosynthesis when chlorophyll is deficient?

When chlorophyll is deficient, photosynthesis slows or stops. Plants cannot absorb enough light energy to drive the formation of ATP and NADPH. As a result, glucose production decreases, reducing growth and vitality. Deficiency is usually visible as chlorosis, where leaves turn yellow or pale because they lack pigment. Causes include nitrogen or magnesium shortage, disease, pollution, or aging. With less chlorophyll, the plant absorbs less red and blue light and reflects more green and yellow. Low energy availability impairs sugar formation and oxygen release. Over time, chlorophyll-deficient plants grow slowly, fail to reproduce well, and may die. Correcting nutrient levels or light exposure can restore chlorophyll production and resume normal photosynthesis.