Question

Which set of pigments are involved in green plant photosynthesis?
(a) Chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins
(b) Chlorophylls, carotenoids, and betacyanins
(c) Chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobilins
(d) Chlorophylls, carotenes, and xanthophylls

Answer 1

Hint: The set of pigments found in green plants essential for the process of photosynthesis are green pigment, red or orange pigment and also yellow pigment.

Correct answer:
A set of pigments chlorophylls, carotenes, and xanthophylls are involved in green plant photosynthesis. Pigments are a set of compounds having intense colour and are used in the colouring of other materials. These pigments are also known as biological pigments and are insoluble in water.
Photosynthesis is a process in which plants absorb light energy from the sun with the help of these pigments and convert them into sugar thus preparing food for themselves. The pigments involved are green coloured pigment chlorophyll along with other pigment forms of yellow and red colour.

Additional Information:
-Chlorophyll: In the mesosomes of cyanobacteria and also in the chloroplasts of algae and green plants the green pigment chlorophyll is found. It is a very essential pigment for plants as it absorbs the sunlight during the process of photosynthesis. These are of four types chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll c, and chlorophyll d.
-Carotenes: This plant pigment is red or orange in colour. These are found in carrots and many other plant structures. With several isomers, including beta-carotene, the carotenes are terpenoid hydrocarbons.
-Xanthophylls: Xanthophylls form one of two major divisions of the carotenoid group and they occur widely in nature. These are yellow pigments responsible for the absorption of blue light to protect the plants and algae from photodamage. These pigments also help in photosynthesis by absorbing the sunlight.

So, the correct answer is, 'Chlorophylls, carotenes, and xanthophylls'.

Note:
-Chlorophyll is found in all higher plants, algae and cyanobacteria. Chlorophyll b is found in higher plants and green algae. Chlorophyll c is found in diatoms, dinoflagellates and brown algae. Lastly, chlorophyll d is found only in red algae.
-In all young leaves and in etiolated leaves the xanthophylls are present. Other than these the xanthophylls' are also found in fruits that are rich in lutein diesters. For example papaya, peaches, prunes, and squash.