Which wavelengths does chlorophyll absorb best and why?

Chlorophyll absorbs light most effectively in the blue (430–450 nm) and red (640–680 nm) wavelengths of the visible spectrum. It reflects green light (around 500–550 nm), which is why plants look green. Blue light is high in energy and drives strong electron excitation, stimulating photosynthesis and leaf growth. Red light is lower in energy but also efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll to power the formation of ATP and NADPH. By absorbing these two regions, chlorophyll maximizes the energy harvest from sunlight. Green light passes through or is reflected because chlorophyll molecules cannot absorb its wavelengths well. This dual-peak absorption pattern helps plants adapt to various light conditions, ensuring efficient photosynthesis even under changing sunlight intensity or canopy shade.