Question
Biology Question on Algae
Which of the following prevents the photo-oxidation and destruction of pigments ?
A
phycoerythrin
B
phycocyanin
C
phytochrome
D
both (a) and (b)
Answer
both (a) and (b)
Explanation
Solution
The red and blue biliproteins, called phycoerythrins and phycocyanins, respectively, are found in algae. They both are called phycobilins. The phycobilins are active in the transfer of light energy to chlorophyll for utilization in the process of photosynthesis. The phycocyanins and phycoerythrins effectively absorb light over range of wavelengths that cannot be absorbed by chlorophyll. Thus, they prevents chlorophyll from long and direct illumination and also from its photo oxidation.