What is the primary role of chlorophyll in aquatic plants?

Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in aquatic plants primarily by capturing light energy for photosynthesis. This pigment absorbs light, mainly in the blue and red wavelengths, and converts it into chemical energy during the photosynthetic process. Through this conversion, aquatic plants can produce glucose and other essential organic compounds, which are vital for their growth and energy needs. Additionally, the process of photosynthesis also releases oxygen, which is important for the aquatic ecosystem and other organisms that rely on oxygen for survival.

While nutrient absorption, buoyancy, and temperature regulation are important aspects of plant biology and the aquatic ecosystem, they do not directly relate to the primary function of chlorophyll, which is centered around harnessing light energy to fuel the plant's metabolic processes.