What occurs when pigment molecules capture light energy from the sun?

When pigment molecules, such as chlorophyll, capture light energy from the sun, they absorb specific wavelengths of light and become energised. This process leads to the excitation of electrons, which are boosted to a higher energy level. This excitation is crucial for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, as these high-energy electrons are essential for converting light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

This process is foundational to the overall mechanism of photosynthesis, allowing plants to harness sunlight to produce glucose, which ultimately supports life on Earth by providing energy to the food chain. The other options do not accurately describe the primary reaction occurring in photosynthesis, which focuses on the excitation of electrons in response to light capture.