Which molecule is responsible for the green color in plants?

The molecule responsible for the green color in plants is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in plant cells, particularly in the chloroplasts, and it plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis. This pigment absorbs light most efficiently in the blue and red wavelengths but reflects green light, which is why plants appear green to our eyes.

Chlorophyll’s ability to capture light energy is essential for converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen through photosynthesis, thereby providing energy for the plant and oxygen for other living organisms.

In contrast, carotenoids are pigments that can provide yellow, orange, or red colors in plants and can sometimes contribute to green coloration when chlorophyll levels decrease. Glucose is a carbohydrate and not a pigment, so it does not contribute to color. Proteins can also play various roles in plant function and structure, but they are not responsible for the coloration of plants. Thus, chlorophyll is definitively associated with the green coloration observed in plants due to its unique light absorption properties.