What is the primary function of carotenoids in photosynthesis?

• A. To fix carbon dioxide during the Calvin cycle
• B. To synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate
• C. To transport electrons in the electron transport chain
• D. To absorb light energy and transfer it to chlorophyll

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Carotenoids are pigments found in the chloroplasts of plants and are part of the photosynthetic apparatus.
2. The primary function of carotenoids in photosynthesis is to absorb light energy, particularly in the blue and green regions of the spectrum, which chlorophyll does not absorb efficiently.
3. Once carotenoids absorb light energy, they transfer this energy to chlorophyll molecules, which are the main pigments responsible for capturing light energy to drive photosynthesis.
4. This energy transfer helps in the excitation of chlorophyll molecules, enabling them to participate in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
5. By absorbing and transferring light energy, carotenoids play a crucial role in maximizing the efficiency of photosynthesis, protecting chlorophyll from photo-damage, and broadening the range of light wavelengths that can be used for energy capture.