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Multiple Choice
Which is the main light-absorbing pigment for photosynthesis?
A
Chlorophyll b
B
Chlorophyll a
C
Carotene
D
Xanthophyll
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of pigments in photosynthesis. Pigments are molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light and are essential for capturing light energy during photosynthesis.
Step 2: Learn about the main pigments involved in photosynthesis. Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light energy, while other pigments like chlorophyll b, carotene, and xanthophyll serve as accessory pigments.
Step 3: Recognize the specific function of chlorophyll a. Chlorophyll a absorbs light most efficiently in the blue-violet and red wavelengths and directly participates in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Step 4: Compare chlorophyll a with accessory pigments. Chlorophyll b, carotene, and xanthophyll expand the range of light absorption but do not directly drive the light-dependent reactions. They transfer the absorbed energy to chlorophyll a.
Step 5: Conclude that chlorophyll a is the main light-absorbing pigment for photosynthesis because it is directly involved in converting light energy into chemical energy during the light-dependent reactions.