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Multiple Choice
Which pigment is primarily responsible for capturing light energy during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?
A
Chlorophyll a
B
Chlorophyll b
C
Xanthophyll
D
Carotene
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of the question: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. The light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and involve pigments that capture light energy.
Learn about pigments: Pigments are molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light. In photosynthesis, the primary pigments involved are chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids (like carotene), and xanthophylls.
Focus on chlorophyll a: Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment responsible for capturing light energy during the light-dependent reactions. It absorbs light most efficiently in the blue-violet and red wavelengths and plays a central role in the photosystems (Photosystem I and Photosystem II).
Understand the role of accessory pigments: Chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and xanthophylls are accessory pigments. They broaden the range of light absorption and transfer the captured energy to chlorophyll a, but they are not the primary pigments for light capture.
Conclude the answer: Based on the information, chlorophyll a is the pigment primarily responsible for capturing light energy during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.