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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the primary pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis?
A
Chlorophyll b
B
Carotene
C
Chlorophyll a
D
Xanthophyll
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of pigments in photosynthesis: Pigments are molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light. In plants, pigments are located in the chloroplasts and are essential for capturing light energy to drive the process of photosynthesis.
Learn about the types of pigments in chloroplasts: Chloroplasts contain several pigments, including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids (such as carotene and xanthophyll), and others. Each pigment absorbs light at different wavelengths.
Focus on chlorophyll a: Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis. It absorbs light most efficiently in the blue-violet and red regions of the spectrum and plays a central role in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Compare chlorophyll a with other pigments: Chlorophyll b and carotenoids (like carotene and xanthophyll) are accessory pigments. They help broaden the range of light absorption and transfer the absorbed energy to chlorophyll a, but they are not the primary pigment.
Conclude that chlorophyll a is the correct answer: Based on its role as the main pigment in the light-dependent reactions, chlorophyll a is the primary pigment responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis.