What is the role of accessory pigments in photosynthesis?

What is the role of accessory pigments in photosynthesis?

Accessory pigments are light-absorbing compounds, found in photosynthetic organisms, that work in conjunction with chlorophyll a. Some of these accessory pigments, in particular the carotenoids, also serve to absorb and dissipate excess light energy, or work as antioxidants.

What is the function of accessory pigments?

Accessory pigments, both additional chlorophylls as well as other classes of molecules, are closely associated with reaction centers. These pigments absorb light and funnel the energy to the reaction center for conversion into chemical forms.

What is the function of accessory pigments such as carotenoids in photosynthesis?

Carotenoids serve two major functions in higher plants. As accessory pigments, they absorb light in the UV-A/blue regions of the spectrum and pass the light energy to chlorophyll.

Why accessory pigments are called so?

Accessory pigments are called so because it acts in conjunction with and contributes light energy to the primary photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll a during photosynthesis.

What are some examples of accessory pigment?

Accessory pigments are therefore essential since they help absorb light and then pass the energy to a primary pigment, i.e. chlorophyll. Examples of accessory pigments are carotenoids (e.g. xanthophylls and carotenes) and phycobilins (e.g. phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, etc.).

What is accessory pigment?

: any of various pigments (such as carotenoids and phycobilins) that are found in photosynthetic cells and absorb light of wavelengths not absorbed by chlorophyll a Algae at deep regions receive mostly green and blue light and must have special accessory pigments capable of absorbing these wavelengths efficiently.—

Which of the following is NOT accessory pigment?

Chlorophylla is not an accessory pigment.