Which pigment is primarily responsible for absorbing light in the process of photosynthesis?

• A. Carotenoids
• B. Xanthophylls
• C. Chlorophyll a
• D. Anthocyanins

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Recognize that pigments are molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light and are crucial for capturing light energy during photosynthesis.
3. Identify the main types of pigments involved in photosynthesis: chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins.
4. Focus on chlorophylls, which are the primary pigments in photosynthesis. Chlorophyll a is the most important pigment because it directly participates in the light reactions of photosynthesis.
5. Conclude that chlorophyll a is primarily responsible for absorbing light in the process of photosynthesis, as it absorbs light most efficiently in the blue-violet and red parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.