Question
Biology Question on Photosynthesis in higher plants
What are the accessory pigments that are present in higher plants?
A
Phycocyanins
B
Carotenes and xanthophylls
C
Carotenoids and anthocyanins
D
Phycoerythrins
Answer
Carotenes and xanthophylls
Explanation
Solution
Carotenes and xanthophylls are collectively called carotenoids. Carotenoids are yellow, brown orange or reddish pigments usually found in close association of chlorophylls in all photosynthesising cells. They occur in thylakoids and act as accessory pigments by absorbing light energy and transferring it to chlorophyll. They also pick up nascent oxygen and protect chlorophyll form photo-oxidation. Anthocyanins are reddish purple water soluble floavonoid pigments which have no active role in photosynthesis but act as a photoscreen and protect against photoinhibition.