Question

Accessory photosynthetic pigments in most green plants are

• A. chlorophyll a
• B. chlorophyll b
• C. carotenoids and xanthophylls
• D. both (b) and (c)

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Chlorophyll $a$ is found in almost all photosynthetic plants except bacteria. It is called primary photosynthetic pigment because it performs primary reactions of photosynthesis which involve conversion of light energy into chemical energy. Other photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll b, xanthophylls and carotenes are called accessory pigments. They absorb light energy of different wavelengths, broaden the spectrum of light absorption and hand over the energy to chlorophyll a through electron spin resonance and also protect chlorophyll a from photo-oxidation.