Which of the following is the primary pigment involved in capturing light energy during photosynthesis in plants?

• A. Xanthophyll
• B. Anthocyanin
• C. Chlorophyll a
• D. Carotene

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of pigments in photosynthesis: Pigments are molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light. In plants, these pigments are located in the chloroplasts and are essential for capturing light energy to drive the process of photosynthesis.
2. Identify the primary pigment: Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis. It absorbs light most efficiently in the blue-violet and red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and plays a central role in converting light energy into chemical energy.
3. Differentiate between accessory pigments: Xanthophyll, anthocyanin, and carotene are accessory pigments. They assist in photosynthesis by capturing additional wavelengths of light and passing the energy to chlorophyll a, but they are not the primary pigments.
4. Recognize the importance of chlorophyll a: Chlorophyll a is directly involved in the light reactions of photosynthesis. It is found in the reaction center of photosystems I and II, where it facilitates the transfer of excited electrons to the electron transport chain.
5. Conclude that chlorophyll a is the correct answer: Based on its central role in capturing light energy and initiating the photosynthetic process, chlorophyll a is the primary pigment responsible for photosynthesis in plants.