Which plant pigment is essential for the process of photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll is the key plant pigment required for photosynthesis. This pigment is found in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is crucial for capturing light energy from the sun. The presence of chlorophyll allows plants to absorb mainly blue and red wavelengths of light, reflecting green wavelengths, which is why most plants appear green.

In the process of photosynthesis, chlorophyll plays a vital role in converting light energy into chemical energy, facilitating the transformation of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process not only fuels the plant's growth but also contributes to the oxygen supply in the Earth's atmosphere.

The other options do not pertain to the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis. Chlorosis refers to a condition in plants characterized by yellowing leaves, often due to nutrient deficiencies. Clone denotes a genetically identical organism derived from another organism, primarily in the context of propagation. Carbohydrates are the products of photosynthesis rather than involved in the light-capturing process itself.