Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants - Leaving Cert Biology - Question c - 2021

The function of chlorophyll in plants is to absorb or trap light energy, which is crucial for photosynthesis. This energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

It is advantageous that chlorophyll contains a number of chemicals because it can absorb or trap a greater range of light wavelengths. This allows plants to utilize more of the spectrum of sunlight, maximizing their energy capture and enhancing photosynthesis.

The events of the dark stage of photosynthesis include:

1. Energy from ATP is utilized.
2. NADPH releases electrons.
3. NADPH also releases protons (or H extsuperscript{+} ions).
4. CO₂ combines with electrons (or H extsuperscript{+} ions) and is reduced.
5. Combined compounds form glucose (or carbohydrate).

The dark stage is necessary for the continuation of the light stage as it produces products (ATP and NADPH) that are utilized in the light stage of photosynthesis. Without the dark stage's products, the light reactions would not have the high-energy carriers required for the light-dependent reactions.

One way to increase plant production in a greenhouse is to provide artificial lighting to extend the duration of light exposure for the plants. This helps maintain optimal temperatures and enables plants to maximize photosynthesis, leading to increased growth and productivity.